According to statistics released on Wednesday by the Abu Dhabi Education Council, one out of seven Emirati girls suffers from obesity compared to one out of nine Emirati boys. Furthermore, three out of four children aged 5 to 6 have dental problems.
Dr Amer Al Kindi, school health manager, also said one out of seven pupils between 15 and 18 smokes.
“Children spend most of their time at school, hence the importance of adopting health programmes in schools to improve student performance and output.”
Dr Al Kindi said Adec was keen to improve health through schools and discuss key issues, such as fighting obesity and promoting a healthy diet.
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