Saudi Arabia’s fight to protect liver health

Protecting liver health means preventing long-term complications and improving the quality of life for millions. (SPA)
Protecting liver health means preventing long-term complications and improving the quality of life for millions. (SPA)
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Updated 20 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s fight to protect liver health

Protecting liver health means preventing long-term complications and improving the quality of life for millions. (SPA)
  • ‘Take care of your liver now, and it will take care of you for life,’ deputy minister for population health tells Arab News
  • Saudi Ministry of Health focuses on measures to tackle liver disease

JEDDAH: The liver plays a central role in keeping our bodies healthy. It filters toxins, supports digestion, stores energy and essential nutrients, and helps the body fight infections.

The major concern with liver diseases, however, is that they are often silent killers. The progression is very gradual, and most patients experience no symptoms, leaving them unaware of their condition. This makes awareness and early detection vital.

This is a national health priority for Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health, which is focusing on preventive care.




Dr. Abdullah Assiri, Deputy Minister for Population Health at the Saudi MOH. (Supplied)

Protecting liver health means preventing long-term complications and improving the quality of life for millions, contributing to the ministry’s targets to improve healthy life expectancy, in line with Vision 2030’s goal of creating a vibrant society.

In an exclusive interview following World Liver Day on Saturday, Dr. Abdullah Assiri, the deputy minister for population health, said that viral hepatitis — especially hepatitis B and C — has been a long-standing concern and is responsible for many cases of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

He said: “In Saudi Arabia, the hepatitis C virus has caused the most cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, and liver transplants.”

Hepatitis is essentially an inflammation of the liver caused by different viruses — types A, B, C, D, and E — each differing in how they spread, how severe they become, and how they are prevented.

Assiri added: “The challenge with hepatitis is that up to 95 percent of people living with the infection globally are unaware they have it, because the illness can remain silent for years.

“In terms of early warning signs, these can be quite vague, including fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or mild jaundice, but there are often no symptoms at all until the disease is advanced.”

Assiri explained that the main reason why liver conditions go undiagnosed until the later stages is that the liver is a remarkably resilient organ.

It continues to function well, even when partially damaged. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms like swelling, jaundice, or digestive issues appear, the disease may have already progressed to cirrhosis or liver failure.

He said: “Late detection can lead to serious consequences, including irreversible scarring of the liver, liver cancer, and life-threatening complications.

“That’s why we strongly recommend that people, especially those with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or a family history of liver disease, undergo regular check-ups and screenings.”

Lifestyle is everything when it comes to liver health. Poor diet, lack of physical activity, and smoking all put extra pressure on the liver.

Though alcohol-related liver disease is less prevalent in the Kingdom, other lifestyle factors, like unhealthy eating habits, along with viral hepatitis, play a larger role.

He said: “The good news is that the liver has an exceptional capacity to heal if given the right care. Even early-stage damage can often be reversed through lifestyle changes. I have personally witnessed patients transform their health by adopting better habits.”

As a medical professional Assiri always recommends lifestyle changes centered around four key pillars: nutrition, sleep, relaxation, and exercise. These are all vital to maintaining a healthy liver, as are hepatitis vaccinations.

At the national level the Ministry of Health is tackling liver diseases through policies that focus on prevention, early detection, infection-control practices in healthcare, and effective treatment.

Assiri said: “A major milestone in the national strategy was the introduction of direct acting antiviral medications in 2014, which marked the beginning of an ambitious nationwide effort to eliminate hepatitis C.

“Data shows that a comprehensive program combining targeted screening, aggressive treatment of around 8,000 patients per year, and strengthened prevention strategies could see this disease eliminated in Saudi Arabia by 2030 — or even earlier.

“Eliminating hepatitis C would save an estimated 3,000 Saudi lives and SR10 billion ($2.6 billion) in healthcare costs.

“Importantly, this elimination program also enables broader screening initiatives for other ‘silent killer’ diseases such as hepatitis B, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia — allowing us to implement early preventive health interventions on a national scale.”

He added: “Our progress has been substantial. We met our 80 percent treatment coverage targets in 2023, are on track to reduce mortality by 65 percent by 2025, aim to diagnose 90 percent of cases by 2026, and are working to reduce new hepatitis C infections by 80 percent by 2030.”

These metrics reflect a robust public health response, and demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to leading by example in regional disease control efforts.

In addition to this, Saudi Arabia continues to be a leader in medical innovation and research in the field. For example, the world’s first robotic left liver lobe transplant was performed here, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to world-class liver care.

The ministry has several initiatives underway. One of the key programs is premarital screening, which tests couples for hepatitis B and C to reduce the risk of transmission and ensure early intervention.

Additionally, it is expanding community screening drives, especially for high-risk groups, and enhancing access to affordable treatment for hepatitis C. In collaboration with health centers, the ministry continues to promote hepatitis vaccinations for adults who may have missed earlier immunization.

Assiri said: “Take care of your liver now, and it will take care of you for life. The liver is the largest and one of the most vital organs in the human body, yet it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves because symptoms of disease can be silent.

“I urge everyone to lead a more active life: eat healthier, stay hydrated, sleep, and get regular check-ups, especially if you have risk factors like diabetes or obesity.

“Get vaccinated, and remember that small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference for your liver and your overall health.”

 


Airbnb sued by parents of murdered Saudi student

Airbnb sued by parents of murdered Saudi student
Updated 23 sec ago
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Airbnb sued by parents of murdered Saudi student

Airbnb sued by parents of murdered Saudi student
  • Al-Waleed Al-Gheraibi was stabbed to death in 2023 by a fellow tenant at Philadelphia property
  • Parents accuse booking platform of failing to properly screen killer

LONDON: The parents of a Saudi student stabbed to death at an Airbnb property in the US are suing the rental company over allegations it failed to properly screen his killer.

Al-Waleed Al-Gheraibi, 25, was killed in Pennsylvania in January 2023 by fellow guest Nicole Marie Rodgers, aged 19 at the time of the crime, reported The Independent.

She pleaded guilty in December to third-degree murder, burglary, theft and a weapons charge, and is now serving a prison sentence of 15 to 40 years at SCI Muncy in Pennsylvania.

Al-Gheraibi, describe as a “sweet and lovely young man” was studying computer science at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia and was renting a room in the city’s Germantown neighborhood for six months.

The room was part of a five-bed investment property operated by Gardith Edouard, a Cornell graduate. At the time she lived down the street and looked after the building for its tenants, many of whom were students.

Edouard screened Al-Gheraibi thoroughly before accepting his tenancy agreement. Vetting involved a phone interview, background check, educational status report, passport copies and emergency contact details.

Al-Gheraibi was a “model tenant” who “paid his rent on time and was pleasant to be around,” the suit filed by the deceased’s parents, Abdullah and Eiman, said.

In December 2022, Al-Gheraibi told Edouard he was extending his stay after requiring an additional course to graduate from college. He was said to be disappointed, the lawsuit said, because he had been excited to return to his family and fiancee in Saudi Arabia.

During that period, Rodgers, a resident of Georgia, applied for a short-term booking at Edouard’s home through Airbnb. The 19-year-old’s profile on the platform was marked “identity verified.”

Edouard, however, was reluctant to rent a room to someone of Rodgers’ age after a previous tenant aged 18 had caused extensive damage to the property.

In response to Rodgers’ booking request, the Airbnb host contacted the platform and said she did not want to rent to anyone younger than 21, the suit said.

But Airbnb told Edouard she could be flagged for discrimination and removed from the platform if she refused tenants based on their age.

As a result, the host agreed to rent a room to Rodgers from Jan. 5-23 in 2023.

On the final day of her stay, Rodgers encountered Al-Gheraibi in the building’s hallway and “induced him to enter her room.”

Subsequent news reports have suggested Rodgers requested the Saudi student’s help to move heavy furniture.

After Al-Gheraibi entered the room, Rodgers stabbed him “multiple times,” piercing his neck and puncturing his lungs, the lawsuit said.

“He was stabbed multiple times in the neck and lungs, was dragged into a shower, and was left to die alone,” it added.

Edouard was alerted after another tenant complained of strange noises in the property. She described the scene upon entering the room as “the most horrific sight” and said the walls were covered in blood.

“My whole body just shook,” Edouard told The Independent. “I tried to resuscitate him, but by the time 911 got there, I knew he was dead … I’m still not well, it’s just been horrible.” 

Rodgers had tried to use bleach to cover up the killing, causing an “overpowering” smell, Edouard said.

Al-Gheraibi was pronounced dead at the scene.

Rodgers fled the property and logged back into Airbnb to change her name to “Nicole Jenkins.” The motive for the killing remains “unclear,” said the attorney representing Al-Gheraibi’s parents.

Philadelphia police arrested Rodgers a week later.

The lawsuit filed by Al-Gheraibi’s parents said the Saudi student suffered an “obviously painful and terrifying” death. It accused Airbnb of negligence “in numerous ways, including not limiting the ability of persons under age 21 from renting a property through Airbnb” and “not conducting sufficient screening of potential guests to make it safer for other people staying in an Airbnb property to be free from violent crimes committed by Airbnb renters.”

The platform was aware that “younger renters such as Rodgers have less self-control and are more prone to commit criminal and other destructive acts, including physical harm to other persons who are staying or residing in Airbnb properties,” the suit said.

Attorney for the Al-Gheraibi family, Steven Harvey, described the grief of parents Abdullah and Eiman as “extreme” and said they hoped their son’s death would cause Airbnb to change its business practices.

Harvey said: “His parents do want justice, though what does justice mean? What does justice look like? Nothing is going to bring their son back.

“They would like to see Airbnb take some responsibility for its policy that led to this horrific situation.”


Saudi authorities crack down on unauthorized Hajj attempts

Saudi authorities crack down on unauthorized Hajj attempts
The ministry called for the confiscation of vehicles used in unauthorized transport and for fines of up to SR20,000 for those at
Updated 14 min 12 sec ago
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Saudi authorities crack down on unauthorized Hajj attempts

Saudi authorities crack down on unauthorized Hajj attempts
  • Security forces arrest 13 for transporting 57 pilgrims to Makkah

RIYADH: The Ministry of Interior is continuing its efforts to prevent individuals without Hajj permits from entering or staying in Makkah and the holy sites, warning that violators and facilitators will be arrested and penalized. 

The Hajj Security Forces at Makkah’s entrances arrested five residents and seven citizens for transporting 35 individuals without permits to perform Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The ministry issued administrative decisions through seasonal committees against the transporters, accomplices, and those transported. 

Penalties include imprisonment, fines up to SR100,000 ($26,600), public naming of violators, deportation of residents, and a 10-year ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia after their sentences. 

The ministry also called for the confiscation of vehicles used in unauthorized transport and for fines of up to SR20,000 for those attempting Hajj without a permit.

In a separate incident, an Indian resident was arrested for transporting 22 visa-holding expatriates without Hajj permits, the SPA reported on Wednesday. 

The residents were referred to the authorities and are likely to be charged and penalized.

The ministry urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations to ensure the safety of pilgrims. It warned that performing or attempting Hajj without a permit from April 29 to June 10 is prohibited. 

The ministry has encouraged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom.

Earlier this week, the Hajj Security Forces arrested 20 residents and 17 citizens for transporting 121 individuals without permits to perform Hajj.


Saudi program to train rural women in leathercraft

Saudi program to train rural women in leathercraft
Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi program to train rural women in leathercraft

Saudi program to train rural women in leathercraft

RIYADH: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, has launched its first vocational empowerment training in leather industries for rural women in Al-Kharj governorate.

The program aims to promote entrepreneurship and support the national economy in line with Vision 2030 goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It provides rural women with practical skills in leather manufacturing to help develop their small businesses and improve the marketing of their products.

Majed Al-Buraikan, Saudi Reef assistant secretary-general for media and communication, said 15 rural women are participating in the training, which covers value-added leather production, design, product diversification, quality control, and business management.

The program includes training in business planning, cost management, marketing, and branding to help participants establish viable ventures, according to SPA.

Recently, the UN World Tourism Organization recognized Saudi Reef’s role in supporting sustainable development through its link with rural tourism.

Basmah Al-Mayman, UNWTO Middle East director, in a letter to Saudi Reef Secretary-General Ghassan Bakri commended the program for organizing rural tourism events in various regions of the Kingdom.

UNWTO expressed interest in collaborating with Saudi Reef on initiatives focused on sustainable community development and rural tourism.


Saudi Arabia to establish 7 new bee breeding stations

Saudi Arabia to establish 7 new bee breeding stations
Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia to establish 7 new bee breeding stations

Saudi Arabia to establish 7 new bee breeding stations

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has announced the establishment of seven queen bee breeding and nucleus colony production stations in regions selected for their suitability: Jazan, Asir, Madinah, Makkah, Hail, Tabuk, and Najran.

Construction is expected to be completed this year, with operations beginning in 2026. The facilities will add to the four existing stations in Abha, Baha, Qassim, and Riyadh, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The ministry said the projects will aim to preserve and strengthen the local bee strain and reduce reliance on imported colonies, as the Kingdom currently imports about 1.3 million nucleus colonies annually.

The stations will implement programs, including training in queen rearing and artificial insemination, along with promoting practical breeding techniques.

The initiative also includes guidance on advanced beekeeping methods and measures to limit the spread of diseases and pests associated with imported bees. Research will be conducted to support the maintenance and development of local strains.

The ministry said that the projects involve selective breeding based on research and may be offered for investment through beekeepers’ cooperatives or the private sector. Efforts will also be made to support and market the stations’ output.

In line with World Bee Day on May 20, the ministry has called for improving the knowledge and practices of beekeepers to help protect bee populations from disease, pests, pesticides, and environmental stressors.

It also referred to the launch of initiatives to encourage modern beekeeping, increase production efficiency, and support those working in the sector.

There are 25,644 licensed beekeepers in Saudi Arabia, producing 5,832 tonnes of honey from 1 million beehives. The Kingdom’s varied vegetation supports the production of about 20 types of honey, including sidr, talh, and samar.


Saudi authorities launch campaign on safe use of home medical devices

Saudi authorities launch campaign on safe use of home medical devices
Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi authorities launch campaign on safe use of home medical devices

Saudi authorities launch campaign on safe use of home medical devices

RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has launched a digital awareness campaign to educate the public on the safe and proper use of medical devices and supplies intended for home use.

The authority aims to reach diverse community segments, providing essential awareness messages and practical guidance to enhance health safety in the home, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It highlighted the importance of purchasing home medical devices from licensed suppliers that offer warranties and after-sales services, including necessary maintenance.

The authority also urged the need to verify that the device has the required licenses and a valid marketing authorization certificate.

Given the wide range of available options and specifications, the authority advised consulting a qualified healthcare professional to select the most appropriate device for an individual’s condition.

It also highlighted the importance of reviewing usage and care instructions, and obtaining any necessary training before purchase.

General safety guidelines include ensuring instructions are available in both Arabic and English, retaining the purchase receipt, keeping devices out of reach of children and pets to prevent tampering, and following recommended calibration and maintenance schedules.

The authority called on the public to report any issues or incidents related to home medical devices or supplies through the National Center for Medical Devices Reporting at ade.sfda.gov.sa/Home/NcmdrReport or by calling the unified number 19999.