Health forum advocates pre-marriage screening

Observer

16-07-2025

The Muttrah Summer Health Forum, an initiative of the Office of the Wali of Muttrah represented by the Health Committee, was held to promote healthy habits and positive behaviours among young people.
The forum, held under the auspices of Abdulhamid bin Abdulrahman al Kharousi, Deputy Wali of Muttrah, educated school students about the necessity of following a healthy lifestyle and the importance of pre-marriage screening.
The campaign, conducted in cooperation with several health and community entities, is part of the 'Together in Muttrah for a Continuous Partnership' initiative, which emphasises the integration between institutions and entities concerned with health and development to achieve the principle of community partnership in developing a healthy society.
The forum includes a series of training workshops and awareness lectures over five days, involving health institutions, community organisations and volunteer teams to inspire students to follow healthy lifestyles and promote early prevention of lifestyle diseases.
On the first day, a team from Khoula Hospital and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority conducted a first aid workshop where students were trained on rapid response methods and dealing with injuries and emergencies in society.
The forum also includes awareness seminars on chronic and genetic diseases, oral and dental health, food safety and nutrition, with the participation of specialists from Al Nahdha Hospital and Al Mina Health Centre. Additionally, there will be discussions on child protection in collaboration with the Oman Women's Association in Muttrah, and a lecture on the importance of pre-marriage screening in collaboration with Al Nahdha Hospital to promote early screening and family planning. The forum delivered skill workshops for first cycle students to develop their health and behavioural skills.
The participants will also visit the Hospitality Institute in Muttrah, where they will attend a lecture on healthy nutrition and a "Little Chef" event. Furthermore, there will be an educational workshop on smoking and its harmful effects to raise awareness regarding the significance of stopping harmful habits.
The forum will conclude on its fifth day with a lecture on psychological first aid, and honouring the participants and supporters to appreciate their contributions to the successful forum.
Abdulhamid bin Abdulrahman al Kharousi, Deputy Wali of Muttrah, indicated that this event expresses the vision of the Wali Office to promote positive values and behaviours in young people, founding prevention and early health education to raise generations able to practice a healthy and balanced lifestyle that benefits the individual and society.