Dubai: A groundbreaking health education initiative, dubbed ‘Superkidz,’ was launched during the ‘Beat Diabetes Walk’ held at Za’abeel Park in Dubai on Sunday. The program, aimed at elementary school students across the UAE, was introduced through a partnership between Landmark Group and Emirates Schools Establishments (Taaleem), signaling a significant step towards promoting healthy lifestyles among the youth.
The annual Beat Diabetes Walk, now in its 14th edition, saw a remarkable turnout of over 15,000 participants, highlighting the community’s collective commitment to combating diabetes and fostering a culture of wellness. Amidst the festivities, the ‘Superkidz’ program took center stage, offering an innovative approach to health education through engaging comic books featuring superhero characters.
Salem and Sara, the superhero protagonists of the ‘Superkidz’ comics, aim to inspire young students to adopt healthy practices such as maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise. These comics, available in both English and Arabic, will be distributed across all public elementary schools under the Emirates Schools Establishment, reaching thousands of students with valuable health education content.
Head of Health Education Section at Emirates Schools Establishments (Taaleem), Sawsan Al Amiri, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s potential impact on shaping healthier habits among children. “The launch of the Superkidz health education program marks a pivotal moment in our collective pursuit of a healthier future. By instilling healthy practices from a young age, we aim to inspire a positive generational shift towards a healthier and more vibrant community,” she stated.
Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary-General of Dubai Sports Council, underscored the importance of community-wide initiatives like the Beat Diabetes Walk in promoting physical activity and overall well-being. “This event emphasizes the vital role of sports and physical activity for community well-being in Dubai. The growing participation and genuine joy reflect the city’s commitment to a healthy, vibrant community,” Hareb emphasized.
Nisha Jagtiani, Group Director of Landmark, lauded the community support for the Beat Diabetes Walk and emphasized the program’s alignment with the Dubai 33 (D33) Agenda’s focus on enhancing residents’ quality of life. “Our decision to host this event in February underscores our belief that a growing condition like diabetes demands our attention and action year-round,” Jagtiani remarked.
The ‘Superkidz’ program launch coincided with various health-focused activities and entertainment for families and children, following the customary 2km walk. The event also served as a platform for free blood-glucose testing facilities by Aster DM Healthcare and featured a children’s area with engaging activities for participants aged under 12 years old.
With over 30 private and public sector partners, schools, and community groups joining the walk, the Beat Diabetes initiative continues to garner support from diverse stakeholders. The collaboration between Landmark Group, government entities, and non-profit organizations underscores a shared commitment to raising awareness and supporting diabetes treatment, reflecting the UAE’s dedication to fostering a healthier society.
