Recently Fuengirola, a city within Malaga province has earned itself the title of “ciudad saludable”. This honourable title basically refers to a certification for skin cancer awareness and prevention. The Costa del Sol University Hospital nominates Fuengirola as the first resort in Europe to earn this. The hospital acknowledges the effort and commitment of Fuengirola when it comes to promoting healthy sun exposure practices. During the award presentations, several health officials like the dermatology head Magdalena de Troya and the hospital’s manager Antonio Cansino were present.
Additionally, the mayor of Fuengirola Ana Mula was also there to receive this original recognition. Earning such a prestigious title indeed meant that the city must have implemented several initiatives in this field. First off, Fuengirola main target focus were residents, tourists but also municipal workers. In order to avoid individuals being under the sun during peak UV raditions times, Fuengirola adjusted work schedules. Additionally, they installed informational posters that displays the solar ultraviolet index to raise awareness. Moreover, they put attention on younger people by improving shaded areas in schools of Fuengirola. Public spaces and parks also had an improvement in this area.
More than raising awareness on skin cancer
Besides from raising awareness and putting actions to avoid the sun effects on skin, the town increased available drinking fountains throughout the whole of Fuengirola. Other type of commitments done that truly helps in avoiding skin cancer includes making sun cream dispensers and protective equipment for those that works under the sun available. Not just did they provide protective equipment, they also gave training to staff on healthy sun exposure and skin cancer prevention.
All these efforts in Fuengirola didn’t start overnight. Since 2019, right after the news that many municipal workers were experiencing sun damage, the town got to work. So far they have had a collaboration with the Costa del Sol University Hospital’s dermatology service. Together they tried to develop a photo protection policy for citizens and tourists. This policy along with all the training, awareness efforts and prevention commitment is what made Fuengirola a true role model in the health industry.