RIYADH, 10 May 2006 — The national campaign against dengue fever has helped health officials keep the viral flu under control in Jeddah, the Health Ministry announced yesterday.
“Timely action by the ministry and the cooperation extended by the public have kept the majority of people away from the disease,” Dr. Khaled Al-Marghalani, general supervisor for communications and awareness campaigns at the Ministry of Health, said. More than 500 health officials were involved in informing the public of the hazards of the disease and how it could be prevented.
“The uniqueness of the campaign was that the health officials went door-to-door to carry the message about the viral flu,” he said.
Dr. Marghalani said the ministry had also provided adequate drugs in all the primary health centers in Jeddah.
Jeddah Governor Prince Mishal ibn Majed launched the campaign for the control of dengue fever last month in the Western Province. The prince launched a website, www.dengue.med.sa, contiaining important information on basic preventive methods. A toll-free round-the clock phone number — 940 — to give information about the disease and receive complaints.
