The SEHHI program in Abu Dhabi is a pioneering initiative aimed at promoting healthy eating habits across the emirate. Launched by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre less than two years ago, the program focuses on offering community members suitable food choices to improve their health. The program, previously known as Weqaya, highlights nutritious foods and ingredients through its blue-colored logo and dedicated sections at participating entities.
One key aspect of the SEHHI program is the healthy food labeling, which enables individuals to make informed choices about the foods they consume. As part of the initiative, over 300 restaurants and food outlets, schools, hospitals, and supermarkets in Abu Dhabi are participating in promoting healthy eating. Calorie content is displayed on menus in restaurants, providing transparency about the nutritional value of the food being consumed.
Healthy vending machines have also been introduced in schools and hospitals as part of the SEHHI program, offering healthier snack options to students and patients. LuLu Hypermarkets have joined the initiative, featuring SEHHI labels on healthy food items and creating dedicated corners for SEHHI food. The collaboration with LuLu Hypermarkets has enhanced the visibility of healthy food options and promoted healthier eating habits among consumers.
In addition to the healthy food labeling and vending machines, the SEHHI program includes guidelines for school canteens, health promotion activities, and community mobilizing programs to encourage healthy choices. The blue SEHHI logo serves as an assurance of healthy food, simplifying the process for consumers to make healthier choices when selecting food items. The program is a collaborative effort involving government departments and private sector players to combat obesity and chronic diseases.
Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri, Executive Director of the Community Health Sector at ADPHC, emphasized that the SEHHI program aims to spread healthy habits by focusing on healthy eating, physical activity, managing stress, smoking cessation, and sleep hygiene. The program is designed to cater to the entire population, regardless of their awareness level, providing detailed information in a simplified manner through the prominent blue SEHHI logo. By promoting healthy eating habits and offering healthier food options, the SEHHI program is contributing to creating a healthier future for the community in Abu Dhabi.
