The Ministry of Health launched a nation-wide summer health awareness campaign yesterday, which was disseminated through electronic and print media outlets to educate holidaymakers on how to stay safe during the vacation season. 

The program, which is themed, “Enjoy your holidays and come back safely to the Kingdom”, has been designed to capture a larger clientele of viewers through popular cartoon characters.  Health Ministry Spokesman Khalid Al-Mirghalani told Arab News that the program has been tailored to serve travelers and vacationers. “We want to advise them on summer vacation do’s and don’ts from a health perspective,” he said. 

The awareness program highlights the possible health problems faced by vacationers and cautions them to be careful regarding their food choices as well as the safety measures to adopt with their children when they are playing in parks and swimming pools. In addition, the program includes excerpts on prevention against sexually transmitted diseases. 

The comprehensive campaign includes advice on how to avoid road accidents, means of adhering to a balance diet and suggested physical exercise routines as well as caution against drug abuse and the safe use of electronic devices amongst children. 

Parents have been urged to supervise children when they use electronic toys and devices during their leisure time. 

The three-week campaign, which is to be launched throughout the Kingdom aims to target all segments of society. 

Health officials will set up special counters at domestic and international airports to distribute the campaign brochures.

Under this summer program, the ministry will also organize a series of phone-in programs to help the public find answers and solutions to their medical problems. Senior medical consultants from various health specialties will be present to answer callers on a toll free number 8002494444 , provided by the ministry.