Saudi Health Ministry launches child vaccination e-certificate

Pregnant women, the elderly, children under the age of five, and people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, respiratory illnesses including asthma and heart disease are the most at risk. (SPA)
Pregnant women, the elderly, children under the age of five, and people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, respiratory illnesses including asthma and heart disease are the most at risk. (SPA)
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Updated 30 January 2023

Saudi Health Ministry launches child vaccination e-certificate

Saudi Health Ministry launches child vaccination e-certificate
  • Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly said that the Ministry of Health has seen an increase in influenza cases this season

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Health has launched the child vaccination e-certificate as an alternative to the paper certificate card, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

This initiative is part of the digital transformation within the health sector, facilitating health services for citizens and allowing them to keep track of critically-important vaccinations.

Parents can register their children’s vaccinations through the documentation clinic in health centers or self-register through the Sehhaty app so they can easily refer to it at any time.

The ministry created Sehhaty to provide health services to individuals in the Kingdom. The app allows users to access health information and obtain several health services offered by various authorities in the health sector.

Last month, the Ministry of Health urged citizens and residents to take the flu vaccine, saying that it is effective and safe and helps to reduce pressure on the nation’s hospitals and clinics.

Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly said that the most effective way to confront influenza is to take the vaccine.

Al-Aly said that the vaccine is 80 percent effective, which would help reduce the strain on the health system, particularly through reduced admissions to intensive care units. Booking can be done through the  Sehhaty app, he added.

Al-Aly said that the Ministry of Health has seen an increase in influenza cases this season. He said the flu may cause severe complications that can lead to death.

He added that millions of people worldwide contract the flu every year, with many of the most vulnerable being hospitalized. Those most at risk include children under the age of five, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, respiratory illnesses including asthma and heart disease.

Al-Aly urged members of the public to avoid crowded places, wash their hands thoroughly, not touch their eyes and mouths directly, use tissues when sneezing or coughing, and wear a mask.

He said people with the flu display various symptoms including shivering and sweating, a temperature of over 38 C, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, persistent cough, and runny nose.

 


Saudi show ‘Tash Ma Tash’ returns, giving viewers a blast from the past

Saudi show ‘Tash Ma Tash’ returns, giving viewers a blast from the past
Updated 12 sec ago

Saudi show ‘Tash Ma Tash’ returns, giving viewers a blast from the past

Saudi show ‘Tash Ma Tash’ returns, giving viewers a blast from the past

Saudi nationals and residents eligible for e-visa to Japan starting Monday

E-visa Japan is to become available to Saudi nationals and residents. (AFP/File Photo)
E-visa Japan is to become available to Saudi nationals and residents. (AFP/File Photo)
Updated 29 min 31 sec ago

Saudi nationals and residents eligible for e-visa to Japan starting Monday

E-visa Japan is to become available to Saudi nationals and residents. (AFP/File Photo)
  • In 2015 Japan was named the third-largest trading partner of Saudi Arabia

DUBAI: Saudi nationals and residents will be eligible for electronic visas to Japan starting March 27.

Mutual interests and official diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan have been present for decades; both countries are mutually essential for each other’s political and economic growth.

The embassy of Japan in Saudi Arabia recently announced that all Saudi nationals and people who reside in Saudi Arabia will be eligible to apply for a visa to Japan electronically; prior to that announcement, applications had to be done in the Japanese embassy or consulate.

Other than speeding up and streamlining the application process, this new decision will further enhance bilateral relations between both countries and facilitates entry and exit for all purposes.

The process includes a form that requires applicants to fill out basic information such as name, contacts, passport details, and travel information.

In 2015 Japan was named the third-largest trading partner of Saudi Arabia; both countries share many common interests that allow them to maximize benefits and enhance bilateral relations.

* This story originally appeared on Arab News Japan, click here to read it.


Saudi king, crown prince donate $40m to new charitable housing campaign

Saudi king, crown prince donate $40m to new charitable housing campaign
Updated 24 March 2023

Saudi king, crown prince donate $40m to new charitable housing campaign

Saudi king, crown prince donate $40m to new charitable housing campaign
  • The campaign was launched by the Jood Eskan platform

RIYADH: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inaugurated the Charitable Jood Eskan Subscription campaign and made donations totalling $40 million, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

The campaign was launched by the Jood Eskan platform, and the monarch donated SR100 million ($27m), while the crown prince gave SR50 million ($13m) toward the provision of housing for needy families.

Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majid Al-Hogail said: “This generous, unsurprising contribution from the king and the crown prince came to inaugurate the good housing charitable subscription campaign, and an affirmation of their support for innovative humanitarian initiatives, in which the roles of governmental, private, and non-profit agencies are integrated.”

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KSrelief distributes more than 44 tons of food aid around the world for Ramadan

KSrelief distributes more than 44 tons of food aid around the world for Ramadan
Updated 24 March 2023

KSrelief distributes more than 44 tons of food aid around the world for Ramadan

KSrelief distributes more than 44 tons of food aid around the world for Ramadan

Riyadh: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) distributed more than 44 tons of food aid packages around the world as part of the Ramadan 2023 food distribution project.
In Benin, 12 tons of food packages were distributed in the city of Glazoué. And in the city of Tetovo, North of Macedonia, 19 tons of food packages were provided.
In Jakarta 7.8 tons of food packages were distributed along with 6.3 tons of food packages in Skenderaj city, in Kosovo.
While in Sudan, Chad and Ghana 1,900 food packages were given out to needy families.
And in Pakistan the center distributed 1,450 shelter bags in the Sindh Province.


Saudi Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms, dust storms

Saudi Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms, dust storms
Updated 24 March 2023

Saudi Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms, dust storms

Saudi Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms, dust storms

JEDDAH: The General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense has urged residents to take precautionary measures against thunderstorms and dust storms that are likely to affect some regions between Friday and Monday. 

The organization, acting on information from the National Center of Meteorology, said the Makkah region will be affected by moderate to heavy rains that may lead to torrential flows. The areas of Taif, Maysan, Adham, Al-Khurmah, Al-Ardiyat, Turbah, Rania, Al-Muwayh, Qia, Khulais, Al-Kamil, Al-Jumum, Bahra, Al-Lith, and Al-Qunfudhah are expected to be hit.

The Riyadh region is also expected to suffer, including the capital, Al-Kharj, Wadi Al-Dawasir, As-Sulayyil, Afif, Al-Duwadmi, Shaqra, Al-Zulfi, Al-Majma’ah, Al-Quwa’iyah, Al-Ghat, Hotat Bani Tamim, Al-Aflaj, Thadiq, Ramah, Al-Muzahimiyah, Al-Diriyah, Dhurma, Huraymila and Al-Dalam.

Authorities stressed the need to stay away from areas where torrents gather, and not to swim in dangerous places. 

Residents have been advised to adhere to instructions announced through the media. 

The regions of Asir, Al-Baha, Jazan, Najran, Madinah, Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the northern borders, Al-Qasim and the eastern borders are also expected to be affected.

Moderate rains and winds resulting in dust storms are expected in the Makkah region, including Jeddah and Rabigh.

The Civil Defense has stressed the need to stay away from areas where torrents gather, and not to swim in dangerous places.

Residents have been advised to adhere to instructions announced through the media.