The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with other countries, will observe tomorrow the World Day for Combating AIDS. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Hamad Al-Mane', the Minister of Health underscored the importance of the enlightenment of both men and women on the menace caused by AIDS. He noted that the strict adherence to the teachings of Islam, which advocates avoidance of all forms of vice, helps the society to become free from the menace of this dangerous disease. Dr Al-Mane' underlined the importance of cooperation between the society and the family for the awareness of people and urged them to behave properly far-away from all forms of vice. He pointed out that the Health Ministry has been exerting intensive efforts to protect the society from AIDS in cooperation with other concerned authorities. "The Ministry has boosted the capabilities of the laboratories so as to enable them detect and diagnose cases of AIDS among either the citizens or residents," he said, adding that the Ministry has also been carrying out awareness programs. Dr Al-Mane' said three specialized centers have been opened in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam for the treatment of victims of AIDS.
