JEDDAH: The first international forum on contagious diseases began here yesterday with nearly 500 experts and doctors from within the Kingdom and abroad participating.
Ayman Tamar, head of the health awareness program in Makkah province, said the forum is focusing on a number of contagious and skin diseases that spread through physical contact. "The forum comes at a time when the world is facing a swine flu pandemic," he said, adding that this is a first-of-its-kind event for Saudi Arabia.
Sami Idrees, chairman of the conference's organizing committee, said a number of medical experts and consultants are delivering presentations at the forum on how to protect against contagious and skin diseases. "Experts are also explaining the health conditions and regulations to be followed at hair salons and beauty parlors," he said.
He also emphasized the need to make more effort in protecting human health. "With this objective we have taken the initiative to combat environment pollution and prevent the spread of diseases."
He urged owners of beauty parlors and women's tailoring centers to abide by health regulations. "A large number of women visit these centers every day. Women spend about SR1.7 billion on beautification and fashions annually," he added.
He said some beauty parlors have exceeded their remit by providing medical services using unknown medicines. "These centers should employ specialized and trained people to protect society from the spread of diseases," he said.
Dr. Khaled Idrees, chairman of the scientific committee, said there are three factors that cause the diseases to spread: a person carrying the virus, a person vulnerable to infection, and a suitable atmosphere for the spread of the disease.
"In order to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, we have to first destroy the microbe or virus that causes the disease, and then strengthen the immune system of individuals by taking preventive measures," he said.
Dr. Idrees stressed the importance of washing hands with water and soap before taking food, when leaving the toilet, and when touching patients. "We should also keep our homes and surrounding areas clean by properly disposing garbage. We should also make sure that the water we drink is not contaminated," he said.
He also urged the public to avoid mixing with patients suffering from contagious diseases. "Early diagnosis of diseases and quick treatment are essential in preventing complications," he added.
