Abu Dhabi Launches Healthy Living Strategy to Combat Obesity and Chronic Diseases

The emirate of Abu Dhabi has introduced its Healthy Living Strategy, a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing community health and wellbeing throughout the region. This initiative, developed by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, seeks to promote longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives for both citizens and residents. The strategy emphasizes prevention as a fundamental aspect of its approach, targeting non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The Healthy Living Strategy represents a long-term commitment to fostering collaboration among government entities, the private sector, communities, and individuals to create a healthier environment in Abu Dhabi. In its initial phase, the strategy will concentrate on three primary pillars: increasing physical activity, improving diet and nutrition, and enhancing awareness and knowledge regarding health. Additionally, the strategy underscores the significance of sleep and mental wellbeing as essential components of overall health. To support these priorities, the plan will implement improved infrastructure, supportive policies, and programs designed to facilitate healthier choices in daily life. The Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi highlighted the notion that health is influenced by various factors beyond clinical visits, including diet, physical activity, and environmental conditions. He emphasized the need for a collective effort to prioritize healthy living in all aspects of life, from education to work. At the heart of the strategy is the goal of fostering behavioral change. While individual responsibility for health is crucial, the Healthy Living Strategy aims to make healthier choices more accessible and sustainable, integrating prevention into everyday routines. Utilizing digital intelligence, the strategy will identify high-risk groups to effectively target initiatives and policies where they are most needed. The Executive Director of Healthy Living noted the mission to simplify healthy living for all residents of Abu Dhabi. The strategy is informed by behavioral science and focuses on addressing the areas of greatest need. Over the coming year, more than 20 initiatives have been approved for implementation by various government and private sector entities, aiming to unify and enhance existing efforts toward healthier lifestyles across the emirate.

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