Over 1,200 students from public and private schools participated in the "let's walk" activity in Abu Dhabi yesterday. The walkathon is part of the "Healthy Children 2021" national campaign of the National Programme for Government Communication (NPGC), which was announced in January by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The campaign seeks to reduce the level of obesity amongst children in the UAE to 12% by the year 2021. Held on Abu Dhabi Corniche, the walkathon aims to highlight the importance of exercise and physical activity as prevention strategies for obesity and its related diseases and to increase awareness and encourage adoption of healthy lifestyles among children in the community.

Organised by the Health Authority– Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the walkathon on Abu Dhabi Corniche was attended by the Abu Dhabi Education Council, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi City Municipality, The Higher Colleges of Technology as well as a number of government and local entities in Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Acting Director of Public Health and Research Division in HAAD, said, "This walkathon is part of the national campaign, ‘Healthy Children 2021', which is a government initiative reflecting the UAE's wise leadership by engaging children, families, decision makers, government entities and focusing on a healthy lifestyle. The event focusses on raising awareness about the importance of physical exercise, which is a main pillar to improve health standards in the community, which is a key priority of HAAD."

The national campaign ‘Healthy Children 2021' includes a number of awareness activities and events.

A dedicated team from various federal and local authorities oversees the campaign in coordination with the private sector. The team is headed by the Ministry of Health with the membership of the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Affairs, General Authority for Youth and Sports, Dubai Health Authority, Health Authority - Abu Dhabi, in addition to membership of Government Communication Office of the Cabinet.
Source: WAM