Proposal Spurs Healthy Meals

TDT| Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

MP Dr. Maryam Al Dhaen has commended the Ministry of Education for introducing healthy meals in schools, describing the move as a direct outcome of her earlier proposal and a vital step to boost student focus and protect future generations from disease.

Maryam Al Dhaen said the step directly aligns with a proposal she submitted in August 2023 to establish a national strategy for proper nutrition and sustainable physical activity, which was subsequently approved. She underlined that the support of Education Minister Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, and his personal follow-up on the matter, demonstrate the Kingdom’s seriousness in raising health standards and coordinating across government sectors.

Focus and growth

The lawmaker noted that balanced nutrition is a cornerstone of healthy child development, enabling students to concentrate better in classrooms and boosting their academic outcomes. “Providing healthy meals in schools is a long-term investment in the future of generations,” she explained, framing the initiative as a direct link between wellbeing and performance.

Prevention first

Al Dhaen emphasised that the initiative embodies the principle that prevention is better than cure. By introducing children early to healthy eating habits, she said, the country can reduce the risks of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. This, she added, builds the foundations of a healthier and more productive society.

Investment in human capital

She highlighted that investing in students’ health is an investment in Bahrain’s human capital, which she described as the core driver of sustainable development. Maryam Al Dhaen also stressed the importance of continuous awareness and education on nutrition and physical activity within schools, ensuring that these values take root as lifelong practices. In doing so, she said, Bahrain positions itself as a leader in safeguarding the health of its younger generations.