The General Directorate for Drug Control in the Eastern Region confirmed that it has monitored 30 cases of drug abuse among women at the 12th Women’s Forum of the Charity Convoy Association exhibition.
Metha Al-Qahtani, supervisor of the Directorate’s booth at the exhibition, said, “The cases are strictly confidential and dealt with on an individual basis, then directed to the women’s department at the Directorate.” She pointed out that marijuana use represented the largest proportion of drug addiction cases.
Al-Qahtani said that the booth aims to educate visitors about the dangers posed by drugs. It also highlights the importance of education, raises awareness on health hazards and stresses upon religious and social risks resulting from abuse through educational leaflets and brochures.
“There are various methods of outreach, such as audio, visual and printed materials. There are also ongoing partnerships in all sectors of governmental and private charities working to educate young people,” she said.
About 22,000 visitors attended the Dhahran International Exhibition.
Activities included a series of lectures, courses and competitions designed to enhance and develop the principles of social and Islamic values in a creative and highly professional environment.
According to Al-Qahtani, government sectors extensively engaged with activities that aim to promote family values within society.
She said that the forum also worked to educate non-Arabic speaking women by conducting activities in different languages. Since the beginning of the forum, 11 people have converted to Islam.
The “Oasis of Inner Peace” booth reported over 350 consultations, most of them health-related.
A total of 636 visitors attended the “Mercy Society” booth.
Dr. Wafa Al-Haylaa, a physician, said that 26 diabetes cases, 31 cases of high blood pressure and 121 obesity cases were detected.
She pointed out that the aim of the booth was to promote health awareness through educational materials for the early detection of diseases.
A booth with the slogan "Harmony Society for Family Care" recorded 140 requests for marriages over the course of the seven days of the forum. Around 100 cases sought to discuss their family situation, while 40 requested immediate reconciliation. The women, aged between 24 and 35 years, were single, divorced or widowed. Around 80 women requested to attend courses and programs.
Women’s forum in EP warns of dangers posed by drugs
