Due to alarming reports of an increase in AIDS cases in the city, Jeddah Health Affairs has decided to take advantage of the expected heavy public gathering during the Eid festival to launch an AIDS awareness campaign. A report by the Ministry of Health released last year, found that there were some 172 detected AIDS cases, giving the Bride of the Red Sea the highest AIDS rate in the Kingdom. Recognizing the need to create a general awareness among people on the causes of this deadly disease and preventive measures, Jeddah Health Affairs will organize an anti-AIDS awareness campaign during Eid days. Apart from setting up a fully-equipped clinic on Obhur Corniche, the campaign will also provide health services to visitors to the area during the Eid holidays, announced Dr. Sami Badawood, Director General of Health Affairs. “The clinic will be equipped with all necessary requirements from doctors and nurses to technicians to offer first aid treatment to residents who come to the Corniche to enjoy the Eid festival events,” he said. Badawood added that the campaign will also be provided with a mobile clinic to spread awareness of AIDS among holidaymakers. “The Governorate, the Mayoralty and many other official bodies will launch similar activities. We are keen to join them to produce a collective effort for the benefit of the city's residents,” he said. Badawood said the mobile clinic will have physicians on board and that it is intended to reach as many people as possible. “Doctors will check young men and women who wish to be tested for AIDS,” he pointed out. Moreover, Badawood confirmed that the Health Affairs directorate has completed its medical services preparations for the Eid period. “Main hospitals and neighborhood primary health care centers will receive patients during the remaining days of the holy month and Eid,” he said. __
