RIYADH, 25 January 2007 — Since the launch of the milk drinking campaign by the Ministry of Health last Saturday, its call center has been inundated with hundreds of telephone calls from Saudi women who want to know more about the advantages of drinking milk daily.
Health Minister Dr. Hamad Al-Manie launched a nationwide campaign to encourage people to drink milk regularly for their good health. Some six million packets were distributed and two million flyers were distributed among students and office workers to mark the first ever milk drinking day held in the Kingdom. The inauguration was followed by a weeklong program that included lectures, demonstrations, and TV and radio programs on milk as a nutritious drink.
“The unprecedented number of calls received by the center, demonstrates the interest evoked by the campaign,” Amal Moawiya Abu Al-Jedaie, head of the Call Center of the Ministry of Health, told Arab News, pointing out that the callers were mostly mothers who were worried about their children’s health, especially regarding regular consumption of milk to supplement their vitamin needs.
Milk is an important source of several nutrients including protein, calcium, zinc and vitamin B12, which are essential for the growth of healthy bones.
The ministry has deployed a team of specialized health officials to answer queries and doubts of people on various health issues. The panel comprises doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists and trained health personnel who can field any health related questions, Amal said, pointing out that this week the center was flooded with queries on milk consumption that were answered to the satisfaction of the callers.
“The callers were men, women and children who were anxious to know the importance of regular consumption of milk and dairy products,” she said.
