AJMAN, 2 March 2007 — The first annual GMC healthy baby contest, held here recently drew a large crowd of expatriate and local children from all over the UAE. More than 200 babies in the age groups of three months to three years took part in the event, which was held at the Gulf Medical College Ajman.
“Know Your Child Better” was the theme of the contest, which aimed to educate parents on the long and tough journey of parenting and bringing up healthy children.
Contestants were judged according to various parameters including growth, immunization, milestones and the babies’ responses. Even parents were tested about their knowledge on parenting. Judging the event was an expert panel of judges comprising of pediatricians from the GMC Hospital and the Gulf Medical Center, Dubai.
According to one of the judges, expatriates and local kids are growing very well and there is a fairly good knowledge among parents about vaccination and first aid. Judges explained that good eating habits should be developed for babies.
Representatives of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Sharjah, educated some of the parents on the importance of breast-feeding. “We are delighted at the tremendous response to the first annual healthy baby contest, which was organized by GMC Hospital, Ajman,” said Thumbay Moideen, president of GMC Hospital.
“Over the years, we have always been involved in organizing events for health care professionals as well as for the general public by holding conferences and health camps,” he said.
Winners were Midhat Zehra, Kavan Mehta and Dhanishta in the categories ranging from three months to three years.
The contest supporters included the Emirates Parent Plus Magazine, Milupa, Abott Nutrition, the Sharjah American International School, NMC, Bebelac, Mustela, Al-Rawabi, KDD, Krisps, the Khaleej Times, the Body and Soul Health Club, the Blends and Brews Coffee Shop and the Thumbay Group.
