Healthy Live Campaign: An initiative to promote healthy eating in schools
In a strategic move aimed at building a health-conscious generation, the Saudi Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, launched a new awareness campaign under the slogan “A Healthy Lifestyle,” as part of the national “Live Healthy” initiative. This step aims to instill healthy eating habits within the school environment, targeting students, parents, and educational staff alike.
Campaign objectives and their alignment with Vision 2030
This campaign is not merely a fleeting school activity; it is an integral part of the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program, one of the ambitious programs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Through these initiatives, the Kingdom seeks to shift its focus from treatment to prevention, aiming for a vibrant society with sustainable health and working diligently to raise the average life expectancy in the Kingdom to 80 years. Schools are considered the ideal starting point for instilling these values, as students spend a significant portion of their day there, making the school environment a crucial incubator for modifying dietary habits.
Promoting a culture of healthy, balanced breakfasts
The “Live Healthy Recess” campaign focuses primarily on the importance of breakfast, which is the essential fuel for students throughout the school day. The campaign aims to raise awareness and empower parents with the tools and information necessary to prepare a healthy school recess, steering clear of unhealthy fast food options. Through this initiative, the Ministry seeks to improve the breakfast choices of both parents and students, which will positively impact students' academic performance and physical activity levels.
Health importance and prevention of chronic diseases
This campaign is of paramount importance given the global and local health challenges related to the spread of chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, especially among young people. Through early education and the promotion of healthy habits, the “Live Healthy” initiative works to enhance preventative healthcare. Empowering target groups to make smart dietary choices from a young age directly contributes to reducing the future health burden and improves the quality of life for individuals and society as a whole.
The role of society and the integration between family and school
The campaign emphasizes that student health is a shared responsibility; while the school provides the environment and education, the family is responsible for implementation and follow-up. By providing healthy and appealing options in school lunchboxes, parents contribute to strengthening their children's immunity and healthy development. The Ministry of Health continues its awareness efforts across various platforms to ensure the message reaches all segments of society, in line with the vision of a "vibrant society" where its members enjoy health and well-being.
