The Ministry of Health (MOH) will initiate the activities and programs of World AIDS Day under the theme: “Lifelong Treatment … Lifelong Protection”, on December 1st, 2014 (corresponding to Safar 9th, 1436H). The Director of the National Program for AIDS Control, and Supervisor of the Immunity Division, Dr. Sana'a Flimban, has pointed out that the World AIDS Day will focus this year on the intensification of the preventive and curative services of the disease, in line with the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Dr. Flimban went on adding that “the first therapeutic manual for the antiretroviral drugs usage will be launched in Saudi Arabia. Besides, the therapy protocols will be unified all over the various health sectors in the Kingdom.” She has indicated that the activities, that will be carried out in collaboration with King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH & RC), will include a review of the Comprehensive National Strategy for AIDS Control in the Kingdom, with the participation of many experts, specialists and representatives of the relevant sectors.
“On the occasion of the World AIDS Day, the National Program for AIDS Control will launch a national campaign for protection against this infectious disease,” said Dr. Flimban. “This campaign aims at the intensification of the preventive, therapeutic and awareness activities and programs to combat the disease, in addition to handling the topics related to the evolution of the epidemic and the various environmental, social and behavioral determinants influencing the issues.”
She has concluded that the campaign comes in line with the WHO’s guidelines, in coordination with the Joint United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS). The campaign, according to Dr. Flimban is focusing this year on the importance of providing the preventive and curative services of this disease, and the expansion of coverage, by way of providing these services to all the targeted groups and those infected with the virus.