Manama has been included in the 1000Cities-1000Lives Campaign launched by World Health Organisation.

The global honour is credited to the 'Health Capital' programme initiated by Manama Charity Fund.

'The WHO Cairo-based regional office chose Manama in recognition of its efforts to instil healthy behaviour in the community,' programme executive director Nasser Burdestani said.

Geneva-based WHO launched the global campaign under a slogan to promote health standards in cities and reduce the negative impact of urbanisation on public health.

According to update demographic statistics released by the UN, over half the world's population are city-dwellers.

The fund launched the initiative under the patronage of Health Minister Dr Faisal Al Hamer.

Meanwhile, WHO is stepping up preparations to celebrate the World Health Day on April 7.-TradeArabia News Service