Sharjah Ruler lauds global forum on combatting disease

The Ruler of Sharjah attended and praised a global forum on non-communicable diseases that ended on Saturday and was held under the patronage of his wife, Sheikha Jawaher.

SHARJAH // Community groups must take the lead in helping governments tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs), a forum of 200 health professionals in Sharjah was told.

The recommendation from Srinath Reddy, president of the Public Health Foundation India, came on day one of the first Non-Communicable Diseases Forum, attended by Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, his wife.

“We perceived that NCDs were neglected by leaders globally and took this as an affront, but now we have to step up and assist governments in implementation and capacity building strategies to tackle NCDs,” said Prof Reddy.

Representatives from the World Health Organisation, the World Heart Federation, NCD Alliance and other international public health groups attended.

Sheikh Sultan welcomed delegates and commended the role of Sheikha Jawaher for mobilising efforts to hold the gathering, which ended yesterday, for the first time in the UAE.

Sheikha Jawaher is also the founder and Royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients, International Ambassador for the World Cancer Declaration of the Union for International Cancer Control, and International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer to the same organisation.

“The fight against the consequences and implications of non-communicable diseases stems from our ethical commitment towards humanity, and toward every person and every family suffering from the effects of these illnesses worldwide, especially in low and middle-income countries,” Sheikha Jawaher said.

The forum at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, held under the patronage of Sheikha Jawaher, ends today.