The Minister of Health Dr. Hamad Al-Mane said the Ministry of Health is earnest in continuing its efforts in exploring and treating chronic diseases, especially asthma. "We are eager to realize the main goal of the National Program of Diagnosing and Treating Asthma", he said on the occasion of convening the Saudi Gulf Symposium on Chronic Diseases and the First Forum of Specialized Health Societies, which is scheduled to be held under his patronage at the headquarters of the International Dhahran Exhibitions Co. in Damam during the period from 30/01/1428H to 04/02/1428H under the banner (Protection against Chronic Diseases .. A Vital Investment).
He said the Ministry of Health has provided every possible support to the works of the National Scientific Committee for Diagnosing and Treating Asthma in the Kingdom. "The committee has succeeded in carrying out a number of educational and therapeutic tasks regarding this disease, which is showing rapid increase throughout the Kingdom and the world, the number of people affected in the Kingdom being two million", he said.
"The Ministry of Health has set a plan to be executed by the primary health care centers", he said. "More than 3500 health care doctors, as well and 500 doctors from the private sector have been trained in dealing with the disease and providing treatments to patients. 26 Saudi trainers have also been trained for undertaking training tasks in the provinces and publishing the Asthma Patients Care Guide (Specialized Care Clinics).
He said the Minister of Health has exerted efforts for providing the basic medicines for treating asthma. Tow guidebooks, namely The National Guide for Diagnosing and Treating Asthma and Asthma Patients Care Guide, have also been published.
Dr. Tawfeeq bin Ahmed Khoja, Coordinator of the National Scientific Committee for Diagnosing and Treating Asthma, said the prevalence rates among school children ranges between 5 and 20%, the highest rates being in Taif (23%), Hail (21%), Jazan (21%), Al-Qaseem (165%), and Jeddah (12%), whereas Dammam has shown the least prevalence (4%).
"The high prevalence rates of the disease in the Kingdom require exerting more efforts by health care providers and all relative individuals", he said. "The close cooperation between the patient, his family and health providers assists the health facilities in their efforts of combating the disease. Also, health education regarding the suitable way of using medicines and adherence to prevention methods have their roles in reducing the social, psychological and side effects of the disease".