A year ago, I wrote an article criticizing the national program for AIDS in the Western Region. I said that the citizens in the region were not really aware of the program. A few days ago, I went to the port with a friend and when I saw the sign for King Saud Hospital, I asked my friend’s permission to let me have a look around the hospital while he finished what he came for. Even before I went out, the building’s exterior depressed me. It is an old building — in fact, more than 50 years old. When I went into the clinics, I was surprised at what a good impression they made; they were clean and well-organized. I asked two patients in the clinics about the services, claiming that I needed an examination myself. Surprisingly, they spoke in a positive way and told me to begin the process at the reception desk. I went into another building where I learned that it was for admitting AIDS patients who need constant care. I was shocked again by the modernity and the cleanliness of the building.
I asked a young man working at the reception desk to explain my favorable impressions.
He asked me why I was enquiring. I explained by saying, “I didn’t expect this!” He answered: “Women’s management.”
I understood what he meant and I asked for the location of the office of the hospital manager, Dr. Sanaa Felimban. She is also the coordinator of the national AIDS program.
I met Dr. Felimban and she began by telling me that any information required could be obtained from the Health Ministry. I responded by saying that I needed information not for publishing. I promised her not to publish what she said and yet, here I am breaking my promise to her. The reason is that the information is too important to be kept secret. She showed me the enormous sum spent on AIDS patients by the government and also how the patients’ families are being counseled and made aware of what is needed.
I asked about the causes for the spread of AIDS. She said that the problem was spreading for a number of reasons. The authorities are engaged in a battle against the disease and are testing the blood of every person who is arrested. I also learned about the personal efforts the program initiates in coordination with different sectors to make people aware of the disease. These are huge accomplishments and most of them are personal efforts, but they are sadly not enough.
The danger of AIDS is not only the loss of lives but also the damage done to both the economy and society, and this requires intense awareness campaigns. If we count the losses our country might suffer from AIDS, we would come to the conclusion that awakening people is a national and humanitarian necessity.
I asked Dr. Felimban about the hospital interiors and she explained, “We ourselves worked on these renovations personally for two years.” I asked her how she was managing the hospital and if she was struggling with the program. She answered a bit hesitantly, “I struggle so much managing the hospital, but the minister’s support eliminates some of the stress.”
I listened to many of the great ideas that she wants to carry out with her team. The ideas indicated a brilliant mind that influenced the internal architecture and the organization of the hospital, all of which amazed me. With this great lady, I remembered the quote, “Women care for details and men care for the whole.”
