Since the beginning of Ramadan, Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS) has held health education activities at various malls and public places under the programme launched jointly with AbbVie Biopharmaceuticals GmbH in April to raise awareness about hepatitis C in Qatar.
The programme is being held under the patronage of the Ministry of Public Health as part of the national hepatitis C control campaign.
During the holy month, QRCS medics have been present during evenings at malls, recreational centres and other widely visited places to communicate with the public, inform them about hepatitis C risks and how to prevent it, most importantly by regular family and servant examinations for early detection. The malls included City Center Doha, Al Khor Mall, The Mall, Al Asmakh Mall, Landmark, Doha Festival City, Hyatt Plaza and Mall of Qatar
Also, the activities include free-of-charge medical tests, fundraising for coverage of low-income expatriate patients, and hepatitis C information on social media.
Dr Moutaz Derbala, Gastroenterology Section, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), said Qatar is one of the world’s first responders to hepatitis C virus (HCV), with a plan for zero hepatitis C
by 2020.
According to a research by HMC in 2013, the prevalence of HCV among nationals was 0.8% and among residents 2%. In 2016, a comprehensive survey was conducted in co-operation with AbbVie and MoPH. With more than 7,000 examinees covered, the results showed lower infection rates (0.2% for nationals and 1% for residents).
In 2016, 500 cases were treated for free, said Dr Derbala. In April 2017, a memorandum of understanding was signed with QRCS to cover the costs of treatment for poor hepatitis C patients and to promote hepatitis C preventive practices.
“Since the inauguration of the campaign, we have successfully treated 1,000 cases, including those with dialysis and liver transplants,” he added.
QRCS medics examining people for hepatitis C at a mall.
Hamad Trauma Centre offers road safety tips
Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Hamad Trauma Centre is reminding motorists to practise safe driving, especially during Iftar and the upcoming Eid
holidays.
In an appeal to all families and residents of Qatar, Dr Hassan al-Thani, head, Hamad Trauma Centre, said: “During this month of observance, let us keep our families and friends safe by providing constant adult supervision for young children as they walk on the roads or in parking areas.
“I would also like to remind drivers and all vehicle passengers to use seatbelts and to ensure children are in a car seat on every journey. Drive within the speed limits and abstain from distractions such as using mobile phones while driving.”
Dr Rafael Consunji, director, Hamad Injury Prevention Programme, the community outreach arm of the Hamad Trauma Centre, said: “Let us build on the momentum from our previous successful efforts to make roads in Qatar safer for all during the holy month of Ramadan.
“We advise road users to exercise extra attention, patience, and restraint during Ramadan as people may be rushing to break their fast or are more prone to impaired driving because they are distracted, tired, or sleepy.”
As a safeguard against road injuries and avoidable deaths during this period, Hamad Trauma Centre recommended that drivers and all passengers must wear seatbelts on every trip.
“This is the only proven way to prevent severe injuries and death in motor vehicle crashes. Child passengers younger than 11 years must be seated in the rear seat or in an age appropriate car seat,” the centre said.
Also, the centre advised drivers to stay within the speed limits and increase the distance with the vehicle in front for safe brakes. Both drivers and pedestrians are advised to avoid distractions such as mobile phones, earphones or loud music, and pay full attention to road
conditions.
Pedestrians or cyclists are advised to use the bicycle paths (where available), pedestrian crossings, and sidewalks. “Walk in the direction facing the traffic flow to see oncoming vehicles to avoid them from suddenly emerging from behind or beside pedestrians,” the centre said.
Young children less than 10 years do not have the necessary skills to walk safely on their own. They must always be supervised by a responsible adult when they play or walk on roads or in parking areas, the centre further said.
It also advised the public to always listen to weather forecasts and general advice about driving conditions on the local radio or TV so motorists can plan routes and make an earlier trip if necessary.
Dr Hassan al-Thani, head, Hamad Trauma Centre.
