"Al Afiya Channel": The First National Platform Dedicated to Health Awareness

Dr. Abdulrahman bin Salem Al-Kuwari, former Minister of Public Health and founder of the Qatari Al Afiya Health Channel, announced the launch of the channel alongside the "121" campaign on obesity and diabetes, in an interview with Qatar's Al Sharq newspaper. The channel is the first national platform dedicated to spreading health awareness.

Dr. Al-Kuwari explained that the idea grew from a conviction built over many years in the health sector: medical information, however accurate, has no real impact unless it reaches people in clear language that relates to their daily lives. The channel launches after about a year and a half of trial broadcasting and aims to bridge medical knowledge and the public, turning health awareness into everyday practices that support prevention and a better quality of life.

Closing the Health Communication Gap

He noted a clear gap in health communication: content is either too specialized for the general public or oversimplified to the point of losing scientific accuracy. The channel therefore relies on trusted medical sources and involves doctors and specialists in producing and reviewing content before publication, simplifying the language without compromising the substance. He also criticized the spread of unverified health misinformation on social media, stressing that the project is built on sharing knowledge and serving the community, away from sensationalism or commercial content.

The "121" Campaign on Obesity and Diabetes

Dr. Al-Kuwari said the "121" campaign will run in several stages. The first stage runs until 14 November, World Diabetes Day, after which its impact will be measured before moving on to the second and third stages. The name reflects the close link between obesity and diabetes, each of which raises the risk of the other, as well as the campaign's belief that big change starts with a single step.

The campaign builds on the Ministry of Public Health's latest survey, conducted in 2023 among 7,448 people aged 18 to 69 (49% citizens and 51% residents). It found that 71% were overweight, 33.4% were obese, 18.1% had diabetes and 24.6% were prediabetic.

Prevention Is Possible

He emphasized that the campaign's core message is that prevention is possible, and that change does not require big steps so much as determination and consistency in daily healthy habits, such as maintaining a healthy weight, balanced nutrition, physical activity and adequate sleep, along with early screening.

Partnerships and Future Vision

He added that the channel has formed partnerships with health institutions and experts, most notably the International Diabetes Federation – Middle East and North Africa Region. Over the next five years, the channel aspires to become a leading Arab health media platform combining television broadcasting, digital platforms and smart applications, and a trusted reference for preventive health media in Qatar and the region.

Source: Al Sharq newspaper (Qatar), Issue 13813, 22 July 2026.