Latest news with #HealthandEnvironmentalAffairsCommittee
Observer
25-06-2025
- Health
- Observer
Al Sharqiyah South reviews service projects
SUR: The Municipal Council of Al Sharqiyah South Governorate reviewed on Tuesday a number of service and development projects in the governorate, most notably the integrated fish market project at the fishing port in the Wilayat of Sur and the "Rafeeq Al Shifa" (Healing Companion) initiative, which aims to improve the treatment experience for patients by providing suitable accommodation for patient companions in hospitals. The council also reviewed a proposal from the Health and Environmental Affairs Committee regarding commercial signage, which involves standardising the designs of commercial signs by establishing a guideline framework that includes clear criteria. Additionally, the council reviewed a proposal to address the challenges facing sea turtles on Masirah Island. The proposal includes establishing a natural turtle reserve, incorporating it into the national reserve plan for 2026–2027, and forming a technical committee to study the unique environmental requirements and vulnerabilities of each turtle species. A comprehensive strategy for marine violations was also discussed, such as improving waste management infrastructure, enhancing public awareness programmes to reduce plastic consumption and encourage recycling and leveraging international partnerships while continuing to strengthen cooperation with global conservation organisations. - ONA
Muscat Daily
25-06-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
South Sharqiyah proposes turtle reserve in Masirah Island
Muscat – Municipal Council of South Sharqiyah has proposed establishment of a turtle reserve in Masirah Islands as part of broader environmental and urban development efforts in the governorate. The initiative was discussed at a meeting of the council held on Tuesday chaired by Juma Abdullah al Araimi, Deputy Chairman. A presentation by the Health and Environmental Affairs Committee of the council recommended including the proposed site in Oman's national network of nature reserves. The reserve would focus on protecting sea turtle populations around Masirah Island and its coastal areas. To support the project, the council suggested forming a technical committee to assess environmental needs and threats to marine life, while drafting a comprehensive strategy that includes improving waste management, reducing plastic use, promoting recycling and working with international conservation bodies. The council also reviewed other key proposals, including development of an integrated fish market at the Sur fishing port, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and services for the local fisheries sector. In the healthcare sector, members examined the Rafiq al Shifa (Healing Companion) initiative, which seeks to provide accommodation facilities in Sur for individuals accompanying patients during treatment. Additionally, the council discussed standardising commercial signage across the governorate's wilayats. The plan aims to introduce a unified design framework to improve visual harmony, support tourism and reinforce the governorate's urban identity.
Gulf News
30-01-2025
- Health
- Gulf News
Declining fertility rate causes concern in UAE
Abu Dhabi: A study presented by members of the Federal National Council (FNC) during the last two sessions has revealed that the UAE faces a significant challenge: A declining birth rate and a drop in fertility among Emiratis. The study, based on reports from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on global fertility and birth rates, said the decline in fertility rates poses a challenge to national development goals, which requires population growth to sustain economic expansion. The study titled 'The Epidemiological Decline in Human Fertility Rates in the Arab World' was conducted by researchers from the University of Sharjah in 2024. They analysed fertility trends across Arab nations over a decade (2011–2021) using World Bank data. The study found that the UAE has the lowest fertility rates among Arab countries, ranging between 1.7 and 1.5 children per woman. In 2012, the UAE's fertility rate stood at 5.4 per cent, but by 2022, it had plummeted to 1.49 per cent. This dramatic decline underscores the urgency of addressing fertility challenges to ensure the country's demographic and economic stability. FNC members announced that the Health and Environmental Affairs Committee has begun discussing government policies to enhance fertility rates in the country. Studies indicate that the decline in birth rates is due to economic, cultural and social factors, including delayed marriages, leading to a shrinking Emirati extended family structure. Recent statistics published on the platform, operated by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, the first global data network in the Middle East and North Africa for official statistics, highlight the risk of 'population ageing' due to delayed childbearing. The total fertility rate for Emiratis (children per woman) declined from 3.7 in 2015-2017 to 3.6 in 2018, 3.3 in 2019, 3.2 in 2020 and 2021 and 3.1 in 2022. During the FNC session, participants in a virtual discussion organised by the Health and Environmental Affairs Committee emphasised the urgent need to implement six key recommendations to boost birth rates among Emirati families: 1. Increase marriage grant amounts 2. Ease eligibility criteria for marriage and housing grants 3. Review media content promoting individualism 4. Provide affordable loans 5. Revive the concept of the extended family 6. Develop digital applications to support families Participants warned that Emirati families are shrinking, with a sharp decline in household sizes. They urged the government to take immediate action to enhance birth rates among Emiratis. The committee called for an increase in marriage grants for citizens, the removal of restrictive conditions for marriage and housing grants to expedite support for eligible groups, and a review of TV and film content that discourages family formation. Immediate solutions proposed included requiring banks to offer affordable loans to newlyweds and modifying repayment terms for retirees. The committee also recommended reviving the extended family culture to support child-rearing and launching digital applications to provide family counseling and conflict resolution services. The discussion focused on four key areas: 1. Social challenges faced by those planning to marry 2. Reasons families are limiting the number of children to three or four 3. Practical solutions to encourage continued childbearing 4. The role of social media in shaping societal attitudes that prioritize individual achievements over family life The committee aims to submit recommendations to relevant authorities for thorough review and parliamentary approval. Challenges to marriage and family growth The committee identified several key challenges: • Fear of marriage due to its responsibilities • Negative portrayal of family life in commercial TV shows and films • High cost of weddings, leading to increased debt and financial instability • Rising divorce rates within the first few years of marriage • Lack of research on challenges faced by young people Participants stressed the importance of promoting traditional Emirati family values and discouraging content that encourages divorce or depicts family life negatively. They also called for initiatives to support marriage and raise awareness about the benefits of forming a stable family. They suggested integrating marriage and family responsibility education into school curricula from middle to high school. Delayed marriage reduces fertility potential Dr. Adel Saeed Sajwani, a consultant in family medicine, explained that delaying marriage has medical implications for both men and women. Fertility declines with age, especially in women, as ovarian activity decreases, increasing the risk of infertility-related conditions and menopause. Dr. Sajwani highlighted that women's egg reserves diminish significantly after age 35, making natural conception more difficult, though not impossible. This has led to a rise in assisted reproductive techniques, such as IVF. Women over 35 are also advised to consider egg freezing to preserve fertility for future pregnancies. For men, postponing marriage can also affect fertility due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, prolonged office work, and increased risks of obesity, diabetes, cholesterol issues, and cardiovascular diseases—all of which can impair male fertility. Late marriage not only has social implications but also reduces reproductive potential due to age-related health conditions and undiagnosed infertility issues. Dr. Sajwani pointed out the psychological toll of delaying marriage and childbearing. Humans naturally seek stability, and remaining unmarried for too long can lead to emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Seeing friends and relatives start families while remaining single can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and regret. Sign up for the Daily Briefing Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
