JEDDAH, 9 January 2005 — A top UN official has expressed concern over the incidence of communicable diseases in the Kingdom and elsewhere in the Gulf.
“It’s my keen desire to see efforts are made toward achieving a zero level of communicable diseases, especially HIV/AIDS in the region,” Dr. Thoraya Obaid, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) executive director and UN undersecretary general, said here over the weekend. “We need to have an AIDS-free Gulf region in the near future,” she said during her visit to the Health Management Research Institute (HMRI) here.
Dr. Thoraya cited the examples of the awareness activities carried out in Yemen and bold initiatives of Cuba to achieve a zero incidence of HIV/AIDS in five years.
“The first step in this process is research followed by the creation of communication materials and awareness programs,” she said.
Research helps in understanding the incidence rate, dynamics of disease spread, vulnerable population strata and seasonality and mode of spread. Hospital records appear to be the primary source of information that could throw light on the situation. “By using research findings, the Arab region can eventually have a zero level of HIV/AIDS,” she said, adding that dialogues need to be held between the various stakeholders at various levels to initiate this process.
Dr. Thoraya also expressed concern over domestic violence across the Kingdom. “Measures need to be taken to address such issues,” she said and hoped that the Family Resource Center would play a major role in this direction. Society should come forward and act to nip such social evils in the bud. Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have made significant contribution toward this. One effective way could be to realize the need for networking like-minded organizations and come up with specific initiatives to develop action programs to improve self-confidence among women.
“Among the adolescent health issues, drug usage is my prime concern here. Awareness programs and counseling centers could help alleviate to some extent such social menaces,” she said.
The UNFPA studies show that fistula is a critical health problem in the region, she said and urged HMRI to undertake research activities that would throw light on etiology of the disease. “Research and action projects need to be designed to reduce its incidence,” she said. The HMRI should look at health care situation in countries such as Somalia, Sudan and Yemen where UNFPA has presence and could support research activities.
Saudi German Hospitals Group Chairman Sobhi A. Batterjee, who is also the promoter of HMRI, outlined the institute’s plans to set up operations in Yemen and Dubai. As a follow-up step, an action plan is being jointly developed with UNFPA regional office in Amman to undertake research and development activities in the region.
