RIYADH: The Kingdom will join the member nations of the World Health Organization (WHO) to observe World AIDS Day tomorrow.
World AIDS Day is being celebrated this year under the theme of leadership, with the global campaign slogan “Leaders! Keep The Promise — Stop AIDS” and the regional slogan “Women! Take The Lead.” The contribution of women leaders has been considerable. Alongside men, women have undertaken innovative and effective action in the fight against the disease.
The Saudi Ministry of Health has instructed all of its health centers across the Kingdom to observe the day. The general directors of the various regions throughout the Kingdom have chalked out their own programs to suit the needs of their respective areas. Health Minister Dr. Hamad Al-Manie is slated to issue a statement tonight to the nation on the significance of the global event.
“In 2007, the estimated number of people living with HIV worldwide was 33.2 million, with 2.7 million people newly infected, a report said. As the world celebrates World AIDS Day on Monday, it is expected that individuals and organizations from around the world will come together to bring attention to the global issue,” a spokesman from the Ministry of Health said.
He added that the ministry is sending a group of HIV patients on Haj to show them the importance of spirituality. The spokesman, who did not indicate the number of patients going on the pilgrimage, said the ministry would provide them with accommodation, transport and other expenses.
Dr. Tawfiq Khoja, director general of the Executive Office of the GCC Council of Ministers of Health, said the incidence of AIDS in Gulf states is the lowest among other countries in the eastern Mediterranean region.
He stressed the importance of Islamic laws in the GCC countries, which are instrumental in preventing extra-marital relations. “Successful implementation of Shariah law will keep AIDS out of the region,” he noted.
By the end of last year, there were 530,000 HIV people in the eastern Mediterranean region with 5 percent of them taking retroviral treatment.
Dr. Khoja said the awareness campaign against AIDS should be intensified, as some people can become innocent victims of the deadly disease. He added that the GCC Council of Ministers of Health has drawn up a series of preventive measures to control the disease in the region.
