iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
They stressed the importance of preventing a wider escalation of the conflict, which threatens to further endanger peace and stability in the region
KT APPDOWNLOAD
Call on Media to Prod Fast Food Advertisers Over Child Obesity
DUBAI — The UNICEF has called upon the UAE media to play its role in sensitising fast food advertisers against providing wrong nutritional information and removing deep-rooted misconceptions on weight gain among children.
The call came at a seminar held jointly by Dubai Press Club, the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the UNICEF on Thursday as part of the ongoing national campaign against childhood obesity — Fat Truth.
The speakers highlighted the various health hazards and psychological impact of obesity among children. “Family conflicts and lack of supervision lead to abnormal behaviour among children,” said Dr Mariam Matar, head of the Community Development Authority. “The child falls in the cycle of depression and resorts to unhealthy eating habits leading to obesity,” she said.
She called upon all stakeholders in the campaign including the MoH and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority to highlight such issues through proper channels.
The need to establish a watchdog to monitor fast food advertisements targeting children was also highlighted. “Currently, only medical advertisements are being monitored. We need to put in place a legislation to check what the fast food industry is highlighting,” said Lara Haider, lawyer from the Rights Lawyers. Haider urged people to use the Consumer Protection Law to the maximum benefit and report any kind of discrepancies in expiry dates, pricing and quality of content of food products. Zeina Habib Lietaert, Communication and Partnerships Specialist, UNICEF Gulf said the fund spares no effort in protecting the child across the globe. “It is a responsibility that should be taken up by all arms of the society. The media have a big role in sensitising the society on the perils of obesity among the tiny ones,” she stressed. The speakers also pointed out the lack of effective health channels, write-ups and literature encouraging healthy lifestyle among children. “We are working with psychologists and bringing out booklets and pamphlets to send across an effective message,” said Zeina.
Jamal Matar, a media person, said the visual media carried a higher responsibility in this regard. “The visual media are always after quick profits, regardless of the consequences thereof. There is indeed a need for a regulatory mechanism in this area,” he said.
Fatin Hamudi, a journalist with ‘Emarat Al Youm’ and writer on children’s issues, lamented that journalism for children is very weak. “The media fails to convey the message to sections like teachers at schools, who may be in a position to bring about some change,” she pointed out. The Health Ministry launched the campaign under the patronage of Princess Haya bint Al Husain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on April 20. It will last until July 10.
More news from
Measures are aimed at preserving the integrity and sustainability of the nation's financial and economic system
With an election due in a year, German politicians are wary of potential job losses
"I’ve had success on these courses before—it’s always great to return to familiar ground," says the Dubai Golden Visa recipient
The deceased was a 64-year-old American woman who had been suffering from a severely compromised immune system
The Anfield youth product, linked with a move to Real Madrid, feels he is benefiting from the input of Slot
The three-day 2024 UAE Careers Fair 'Ru'ya began in Dubai on Tuesday
Expanded European events and next summer's extended Club World Cup have led to growing concerns about players' workloads