The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, a subsidiary of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, collaborated with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority to release two guides titled 'Safety of Children in Vehicles Guide' and 'Safety of Children at Home Guide' coinciding with the Emirati Children’s Day on March 15th, 2024.
These guidelines serve as a rich source of knowledge for the community, enhancing awareness of risks children face in vehicles and at home, along with appropriate measures to avoid them. The guidelines offer precise recommendations tailored to children's ages, supported by the latest scientific evidence and global best practices. HE. Dr Farida Al Hosani the Executive Director of Communicable Disease Sector at ADPHC emphasized the importance of educating stakeholders to encourage the community to prioritize child safety in the UAE and, specifically, Abu Dhabi. The launch of these guidelines reflects the centre's commitment to the health and safety of all community members.
The target audience for this education includes not only parents and legal guardians but also individuals directly responsible for childcare at home, including family members and domestic helpers such as childcare providers, drivers, and other caregivers. Healthcare providers are encouraged to collaborate with parents to prevent child injuries through awareness, providing age-specific guidance, considering parental experience, cultural differences, and psychological well-being.
H.E. Eng. Thamer Al Qasimi, Executive Director of the Special Projects and Partnerships Sector at the Early Childhood Authority, emphasized ECA's commitment to partnering with others to raise awareness about safeguarding children from various risks and ensuring they receive optimal care for growth and development. He highlighted the importance of creating guides on "child safety in vehicles and at home" in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi as a crucial step in educating all members of society, including parents and caregivers, on best practices for protecting children in public spaces, homes, and during transportation to reduce accidents and injuries.
Al Qasimi emphasized that providing appropriate guidelines for childcare and protection can have a significant impact on the safety and well-being of children and society as a whole. These guides play a vital role in ECA's efforts to create a more informed society by promoting preventive measures for child protection and increasing awareness of how to mitigate potential risks for children.
The ‘Safety of Children in Vehicles Guide' focuses on raising awareness to prevent injuries to children inside and around vehicles, highlighting relevant recommendations and legislation. It particularly emphasizes the use of designated seats for child safety in vehicles and the driver's awareness of the risks associated with non-compliance with these laws. The 'Safety of Children at Home Guide’ outlines ways to ensure the safety of children at different stages: infants (0-12 months), toddlers (1-3 years), preschoolers (3-5 years), and school-age children (5-8 years). It provides guidance on child supervision, awareness of potential risks, creating a safe environment for exploration, and installing safety equipment to protect them from various home hazards.
The Abu Dhabi Public Health Center and the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority urge all stakeholders to actively participate and support the dissemination of these guidelines, contributing to the realization of a healthy and safe community. To obtain the 'Child Safety in Vehicles' and 'Child Safety at Home' guides, please visit the Centre's website: www.adphc.gov.ae."