RIYADH: The Ministry of Health carried out 31,152 visits to patients in 2017 under the Home Health Care Program.
Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi, director general of the program, said 320 medical teams averaged 2,000 visits per day this year.
“We treat those who are bedridden, terminally ill and cerebrovascular accident patients,” Al-Ghamdi, who is also a family physician consultant, told Arab News on Thursday.
He said if a person suffered from a cerebrovascular accident, blood could not enter a certain part of the brain and the patient would be unable to move the left or right side of their body.
He said that most of the bedridden patients were elderly and had multiple chronic conditions due to diabetes or hypertension.
The ministry has been implementing the program since 2009 in 213 hospitals in all regions and governorates of the Kingdom, and is currently serving 30,538 patients.
During the same period, 1,728 new patients were admitted while 7,440 were discharged from the service.
“I think the Health Ministry is rendering an invaluable service to patients under the program,” Al-Ghamdi said. “The patients are treated in their homes, where they can be with their families so they can have a positive psychological and social outlook on life.”
Through the program, the ministry was “also giving an opportunity to hospitals to admit more patients as we take patients home so that hospitals can accept more serious cases,” he added.
“The program visits homes as a health care team comprising a physician, two nurses, physiotherapist, dietitian and social workers,” said Al-Ghamdi, who has been with the ministry for 27 years.
The ministry has provided home health care services through a qualified health team to patients in their homes who meet the criteria in all regions and governorates.
Saudi health care program carries out 31,152 visits in 2017
Saudi health care program carries out 31,152 visits in 2017
‘Beneath the Surface’ dives deep into world of corals
- The Red Sea Global documentary, recently screened in Jeddah, explores efforts to conserve this vital ecosystem
- Protecting and conserving corals is a ‘shared responsibility,’ says Red Sea Global official
JEDDAH: A documentary on the plight of coral reefs, “Beneath the Surface: The Fight for Corals,” produced by Red Sea Global in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery, was recently screened for an audience of ocean enthusiasts in Jeddah.
The 45-minute documentary released on Earth Day follows Saudi free diver and environmentalist Salma Shaker on a journey of discovery and hope, in the process highlighting the unique resilience of Red Sea corals and their potential contribution to global coral health.
Currently airing on the Discovery channel in over 130 countries, viewers are taken on a journey into the depths of the sea where these vibrant underwater ecosystems are found.
At its core, “Beneath the Surface” aims to shed light on the undiscovered treasures of the Red Sea’s coral reefs, highlighting their biological diversity and vital role in sustaining the global ecosystem.
“The coral reefs in the oceans are the backbone of the planet’s entire ecosystem on which humans survive,” the documentary says. “However, pollution and climate change are threatening their survival.”
Shaker is portrayed in the documentary as a Saudi youth role model, inspiring others to prioritize the protection of the Red Sea’s ecosystem and its coral reefs.
The documentary delves into her relationship with her father, who has been a pivotal figure in shaping her connection to the sea. A marine geologist, fisherman, and diver himself, he instilled in her and her siblings a deep love for the ocean.
She told Arab News: “The core concept of the movie revolves around how the resilience of Red Sea corals in the face of climate change can offer hope for coral reefs worldwide. Without giving too much away, the movie explores this idea in depth, and I believe the message will resonate strongly with viewers.”
She added that she has visited Red Sea Global many times, and seen the corals’ “awe-inspiring” beauty.
“The untouched and protected corals create an underwater paradise that feels like stepping into an aquarium. Every aspect, from the marine life to the vibrant colors, is simply breathtaking,” she noted.
Red Sea Global’s commitment to marine environment protection is evident throughout the film, underscored by its dedication to sustainable development practices as the bedrock of its mission.
Raed Albasseet, group chief environment and sustainability officer at Red Sea Global, told Arab News: “Partnering with Warner Bros. to produce this film is an additional step we’ve taken. Our primary objective is to deliver the highest quality content to the broader public, including the Saudi population and especially the youth.
“We aim to showcase the beauty of these coral reefs, their significance to the economy, and their importance to humanity as a whole. Through this film, we hope to inspire individuals to take an active role in preserving and enhancing these invaluable ecosystems for future generations.”
Since around 2016 and 2017, Red Sea Global has collaborated extensively with various platforms within King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, he added.
Speaking about these environmental efforts to protect coral reefs, Albasseet explained: “Working with scientists, we’ve documented the environmental significance of our development sites, guiding master planning and project development. Leveraging this expertise, we’ve implemented long-term programs to protect corals during development and operations, aiming to enhance coral growth.”
They have also launched pilot projects for coral enhancement across ambitious regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, facilitating future coral growth. “Beneath the Surface” documents the company’s unveiling of Corallium, the new brand for its Marine Life Centre in AMAALA, at COP28 last November in Dubai. “Our Corallium project in AMAALA underscores our commitment to coral preservation and growth,” he added.
Omar Al-Attas, head of environmental protection and regeneration at Red Sea Global, told Arab News: “The breathtaking beauty of Saudi Arabia’s marine ecosystem is a gift that must be showcased and shared with the world. It's a shared responsibility for us all to focus on protection, conservation, and enhancement efforts.”
Speaking about the documentary, Al-Attas added: “In addition to raising awareness through this film, we want to shine a spotlight on the comprehensive initiatives undertaken by Red Sea Global to preserve, conserve, and enhance the environment. As the saying goes, ‘You can’t clap with one hand’ — success requires collective effort. Together, we can create a success story to inspire and educate the world.”
Through its Coral Gardening Pilot Project, Red Sea Global is monitoring around 300 reef sites, testing coral farming techniques, and establishing several floating marine nurseries to conserve and grow rescued coral populations, with a success rate of about 97 percent.
The multi-project developer is keen on utilizing the latest technologies in coral cover monitoring, employing robots and adopting machine learning approaches, capturing three-dimensional images and assembling them into digital twins. This enables scientists to identify potential negative events and respond to and solve them rapidly, such as coral bleaching and the arrival of invasive species.
Festival in Madinah puts cultural diversity from 95 countries on show
- Prince Salman bin Sultan toured the pavilions of the participating countries, learning about the festival’s goals, which are to foster communication, unity and understanding among people
- Hassan Al-Oufi: The festival creates a harmonious and cooperative environment where the East and West unite on the university’s premises
RIYADH: Prince Salman bin Sultan, the governor of Madinah, on Monday inaugurated the 12th Cultures and Peoples’ Festival, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The governor toured the pavilions of the participating countries, learning about the festival’s goals, which are to foster communication, unity and understanding among people.
The festival, which also encourages teamwork and promotes Islamic values, supports dialogue, coexistence and peace among nations, and strengthens communication between university students and the local community.
The event, organized by the Islamic University of Madinah, runs until May 6.
During the inauguration ceremony, the acting president of the university, Hassan Al-Oufi, said that over 100,000 students from more than 170 countries have graduated from the university, contributing significantly to the development of their societies and homelands.
Al-Oufi said that the festival brings together students from 95 countries, providing them with a platform to display their cultures, customs, and traditions.
“The festival creates a harmonious and cooperative environment where the East and West unite on the university’s premises,” he said.
Representatives from various countries present more than 40 activities and events for families, children, and the community.
Festival events and activities include celebrations of Saudi coffee, Arabic poetry, tea, and the Year of the Camel 2024. There are also entertainment, educational and cultural sections that offer enriching experiences for visitors.
WEF meeting in Riyadh vital to build ‘trust’ in global systems, institutions
- Financial crises need attention, says the WEF’s Mirek Dusek
- Saudi Arabia has critical role to play in the region and globally
RIYADH: The World Economic Forum’s Special Meeting in Riyadh is a critical gathering needed to help address global wars and financial crises, says the WEF’s managing director.
Speaking to Arab News on Sunday, Mirek Dusek said the issue of rebuilding trust in institutions and systems continues the theme of the recent WEF meeting in Davos.
The erosion of trust has not only been the result of the COVID-19 pandemic or the military conflicts worldwide, but also goes back “all the way to the financial crisis.”
“There is a lot of research now, sociological and economic, looking at what it has done to society, in developing and in developed economies,” he added.
“What is also important is that you’re not rebuilding trust for a system of the past,” he continued. “You need to make sure that as you do those things, it’s really with the view for the future.
“We would term it intelligent economies … we live through this age of all these revolutions.
“So, it’s not only AI revolution, it’s also the biotech revolution, the energy transition revolution etc. and so, obviously, there are huge opportunities, but are we really equipped?”
Dusek explained that while AI comes with risks that can seriously impact societies, it also offers significant opportunities, particularly in terms of productivity.
He pointed out that the Riyadh meeting’s agenda seeks to “shape and build intelligent economies that are inclusive, sustainable and, obviously, dynamic.”
On the role of Riyadh in conflict resolution, Dusek said that as a G20 country with the region’s biggest economy, Saudi Arabia “is very visible on the international scene — on behalf also of the whole region.”
Dusek said “working on peace, security, and stability in this region is in the interest of the international community at large.” He added that the participation in Riyadh of many foreign ministers, including from the G7 Plus nations and Syria, as well as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is “symptomatic of the fact that people, again, are paying attention.”
“We are, of course, dealing with the war in Gaza and the terrible humanitarian situation in Gaza, but I think it is a larger issue of how important it is to keep investing diplomatically in issues that may have been underinvested in the previous years,” he added.
He described this as “a big turning point in terms of where the regional security and stability picture will go.”
Dusek said holding the WEF’s Special Meeting in Saudi Arabia was an “important milestone” that fits the global conversation and agenda of Davos.
“If we just look under the hood of what intelligent economies mean, it is not only being able to really deploy some of these cutting-edge technologies in industry and in society, but it’s also figuring out how to have a more inclusive economy (and) labor force.
“It is figuring out the whole triangle of the energy transition — security, sustainability, and access.”
He said that the erosion of trust has deepened inequality within societies and in certain economies, and “intelligent economies” seek to address this growing gap.
“We are seeing the need to not only have outcomes that are medium- to long-term and look at the big picture.”
He added: “So, if you look at intelligent economies, it is the big picture systems view. And we continue to do that because it is important, but, of course, you also need to be able to see what are the solutions for the here and now and for the near term.”
He explained that for this reason, the WEF works closely with labor unions “not only in Davos or other meetings, but also in our ongoing work” to find ways to deliver to the most vulnerable and to fragile communities within each society.
He said a great deal of work is being done with organizations including the World Bank, and that the WEF continues to explore ways to “make sure that you finally figure out, for example, how to bring in more private capital into fragile markets, and crowding private capital for climate finance, for energy finance, etc.”
He added: “I think leaders and overall organizations are fully cognizant of that (of) moving in that direction. Is it enough? Obviously, we are seeing that particularly in terms of the statistics within societies.”
He pointed out that this awareness may have also been “triggered by some of these (global economic) shocks, but (there is) a clear realization that more needs to be done.”
Gates Foundation partners with KSRelief to eradicate polio, strengthen primary healthcare
- Saudi Arabia will contribute $100 million to support the Lives and Livelihoods Fund
- Saudi Arabia has pledged $500 million over the next five years to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative
RIYADH: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Saudi aid agency KSrelief have announced a joint push to eradicate polio, improve global health, and alleviate poverty.
At the World Economic Forum’s special meeting in Riyadh, Anita Zaidi, president of the foundation’s gender equality division, told Arab News: “This is a really momentous occasion for us to really expand our partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“It's the biggest contribution that a sovereign country has ever given to the polio eradication program, and it’s really a signal for how governments in the Middle East, like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, are really stepping up to play their part in global health and development.”
Saudi Arabia will contribute $100 million to support the Lives and Livelihoods Fund, the largest multilateral development initiative in the Middle East. The fund aims to lift the poorest people out of poverty in 33 Islamic Development Bank member countries through investments to strengthen primary healthcare, eliminate preventable infectious diseases, support smallholder farming and rural agriculture, and improve basic infrastructure.
Both parties are also allocating $4 million as a relief grant in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which is profoundly affecting women and children. The grant, to be distributed through UNICEF, aims to provide health interventions and access to basic water and sanitation services.
Saudi Arabia has pledged $500 million over the next five years to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which will help to deliver vital health services and polio vaccines to underserved populations through the World Health Organization and UNICEF.
The Kingdom and the Gates Foundation have pledged $3 million and $15 million respectively over three years to support the Polio Legacy Challenge administered by the IsDB, with contributions from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar under the patronage of the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean’s subcommittee for polio eradication and outbreaks.
To implement the programmes, the Gates Foundation will establish a regional office in Riyadh — in Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City — in partnership with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation to support youth engagement and effectiveness of the third sector.
The partnership between Saudi Arabia and the Gates Foundation has been in the works for several months, and as the WEF meeting for the first time since the pandemic takes place outside Davos, the urgency of announcing the cooperation became evident, Zaidi said.
The announcement also coincides with the IsDB’s 50th anniversary this week.
This new commitment from Saudi Arabia is the largest multi-year pledge by a sovereign donor to the current GPEI strategy, ensuring that essential health services are provided to hundreds of millions of children each year.
When Africa became free of wild polio in 2020, it left Pakistan and Afghanistan as the only countries where wild polio is endemic.
“There is a special relationship between these countries and Saudi Arabia, so that thought partnership and those relationships, (you ask:) how do you work with these countries? How do you partner more deeply? All of that is important for polio eradication,” Zaidi said.
The direct engagement of countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, has helped drive the number of polio cases in those countries down from more than 300 in 2014 to 12 in 2023. The GPEI will continue to need resources until polio case numbers reach zero and the world is certified polio-free.
Global health is hugely reliant on women, who comprise 70 percent of the sector’s workforce. But women in senior roles, those who have worked on the ground to understand the eradication process of such diseases, are still lacking.
“We are really trying to change, to hear more women’s voices,” Zaidi said. “And that was part of the program in Pakistan where, for the first time, we surveyed the frontline health workers and asked: what is it that you face in your daily work that is keeping you from doing your best work? What ideas do you have for convincing people whose families are refusing polio vaccination? How do you best communicate the message? All of that has really led to so many better changes in the program,” she added.
One of the foundation’s key focuses is the lack of progress in women’s health, including stagnant maternal mortality rates in the past 10 years — 200,000 women die every year as a result of childbirth. The foundation funded a McKinsey report published at January’s WEF session that highlighted the economic cost of women in poor health.
“We really need to invest in training and retention of the frontline health workers around the world. But the other part is all the new ideas and the new innovations that we can get out to women,” Zaidi said.
Now there are innovations that measure postpartum blood loss, an annual single-injection iron IV for anemia, and ultrasounds facilitated by artificial intelligence awaiting investment and implementation. “These (are) really exciting things that we can now do to really bring down deaths during pregnancy and delivery,” she said.
Zaidi noted that global health intersects with other sectors and industries as the WEF becomes the backdrop for these essential correlations.
“Having a forum like WEF to really talk about these issues is key. And that’s why we launched the Global Health Alliance, a global alliance for women’s health as well, which is bringing in a lot of different types of thinkers who understand this issue to really solve it,” she said.
Blinken arrives in Saudi Arabia to discuss post-war Gaza
- In Riyadh, Blinken is expected to meet with senior Saudi leaders and hold a wider meeting with counterparts from five Arab states
RIYADH: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday, the first stop in a broader trip to the Middle East to discuss issues including the governance of Gaza once the war with Israel ends.
Speaking in Riyadh at the opening of a US-Gulf Cooperation Council meeting, Blinken said the most effective way to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was to achieve a ceasefire. He also said Washington continued efforts to prevent the Gaza war from expanding.
The United States has seen “measurable progress” in the humanitarian situation in Gaza over the past few weeks, he said, but urged Israel to do more.
Blinken also told the GCC ministers that Iran's confrontation with Israel showed the need for greater defense integration.
“This attack highlights the acute and growing threat from Iran but also the imperative that we work together on integrated defence.”
The top US diplomat met separately with Saudi Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, where they reviewed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and joint cooperation in various fields, the Saudi Press Agency said.
During his visit, Blinken is expected to meet with senior Saudi leaders and hold a wider meeting with counterparts from five Arab states – Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan – to further the discussions on what governance of the Gaza Strip would look like after the war, according to a senior State Department official.
Later this week, the top US diplomat heads to Israel, where he is expected to press Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take the concrete and tangible steps US President Joe Biden demanded this month to improve the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Blinken is also expected to bring together Arab countries with the European states and discuss how Europe can help the rebuilding effort of the tiny enclave, which has been reduced to a wasteland in the six-month long Israeli bombardment.
A group of European nations, including Norway, plan to recognise Palestinian statehood in conjunction with the presentation of an Arab state-backed peace plan to the United Nations.
“We can see by joining forces we can make this more meaningful. We really want to recognise the Palestinian state, but we know that is something you do once,” Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told Reuters on the sidelines of a World Economic Forum meeting in Riyadh.
Blinkin's trip comes as Egypt was expected to host leaders of the Islamist group Hamas to discuss prospects for a ceasefire agreement with Israel.
