File photo used for representation only. Photo by Salim Matramkot/ The Peninsula
Doha: All municipalities of Qatar recently received the title of ‘Healthy Cities’ by World Health Organization (WHO). The achievement came as a result of efforts made by the Ministry of Municipality in coordination with municipalities and other authorities concerned to improve the quality of life of people in the country. The Healthy Cities initiative of WHO was conceived with the goal of placing health high on the social and political agenda of cities by promoting health, equity and sustainable development through innovation and multisectoral change.
“These efforts contributed to the achievement of this accreditation by Qatari cities. Most notable of these efforts is the implementation of a comprehensive urban development plan for Qatar and the effective and directed investment in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Qatar National Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy, and the Sustainable Strategy of the Ministry of Municipality,” said Assistant Undersecretary for Municipal Affairs at the Ministry of Municipality, Mansour Abdullah Zaid Al Mahmoud.
He said Qatari cities are characterised by the presence of multiple and interconnected utility networks, with large green spaces, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and various means of welfare for the population, which had a significant impact on improving the health of community members, both physically and psychologically.
He said the Ministry has worked hard within the framework of its strategic plan to raise the standard of services and health and environmental conditions, in addition to activating the partnership with various community institutions, through awareness programmes, activities, and health and environmental projects to build sustainable habits.
