A new initiative aimed at raising awareness on the importance of aviation medicine has been launched by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), a report said.

The initiative targets all categories of travellers, executives, tourists, people of determination, and seniors, said a report in WAM.

Through a brochure via the website and other activities and events, The "health and safety campaign" seeks to provide tips to preserve the health of the citizens and residents of the UAE and protect their health so that they can enjoy their travels and summer vacation. The campaign focuses on three main topics "health situation before travelling, health situation onboard a flight, and maintaining the health status at a destination."

Unveiling the initiative, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director-general of the GCAA, said: "We aim for this campaign to be part of the community services we provide, as it is a shared responsibility between the government and the public and private institutions. The initiative aims to achieve some cultural awareness targets as part of our social commitment towards the public by maintaining the health and safety of travellers."

The GCAA has been able to implement the initiative thanks to doctors specialising in aviation medicine. With the help of pioneers in the field such as the first Emirati doctor specialised in aviation medicine, Dr Nabila Al-Awadhi, and the assistance of medical experts such as Dr Zaina Al Marzouqi, Dr Asmahan Sabt and Dr Amira Al-Ansari, the campaign has been turned from an idea into reality, the report said.