National Osteoporosis Awareness Campaign

The Minister's Message
   Following is a speech given by His Excellency the former Minister of Health, Dr. Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Mane', on the inauguration of the National Osteoporosis Awareness Campaign, held at Radisson SAS Hotel, Riyadh, on 10/9/1927, falling on 3/10/2006.
 
In the Name of Allâh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
 
In the name of Almighty Allâh, glorified and exalted be He, and peace be upon His Prophet, Muhammed, and on his family and companions.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Peace, mercy and blessings of Allâh be upon you.
It has become universally acknowledged that health awareness campaigns are of crucial importance. That is why the Ministry of Health (MOH) has been launching such campaigns in compliance with the directives given by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his Crown Prince, May Allâh protect them, and in line with the Ministry's strategy aiming at the development and improvement of the Kingdom's healthcare services at all levels. This is to be carried out through an integrated network of health facilities which, according to experts in this domain, have become exemplary on both the regional and international levels.
In this spirit, the Ministry of Health is keen to launch health awareness campaigns every now and then, out of its conviction that preserving people's health is one of the major factors stimulating the development process our dear country witnesses during the King Abdullah's prosperous reign. Each of these campaigns takes “man” as both its starting point and ultimate objective.
Like all the national awareness campaigns, we have better start out by asking: “Why the National Osteoporosis Awareness Campaign?”
You are undoubtedly aware that osteoporosis could affect people of both genders at all ages for a variety of reasons, most important of which are those related to age and hormones, as well as the genetic factor and the lack of physical activity. The most outstanding and effective of such reasons, however, is the unhealthy food habits which affect the bone mass, with the effect that bones become fragile and prone to fractures. This hazardous disease, thereupon, is considered a serious health, social and economic problem. Studies and statistics conducted by the competent authorities show that the incidence of osteoporosis is still on the increase, affecting people of both genders and at all ages. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, so far, the problem is not as evident. A study conducted at King Khaled University Hospital has shown that 58% of Saudi pre-menopausal women suffer from osteoporosis.
Consequently, it is of pivotal importance to raise awareness among women particularly, and the society on the whole, through awareness and educational symposiums and campaigns, and how to avert it, as well as underscoring the necessity of undergoing the bone-density (BMD) test, entrenching the culture of walking, as it is one of the effective means of prevention of osteoporosis.
On this occasion, I would like to welcome all those involved in this national campaign, both the individuals, corporations, and scientific and medical institutions, especially “Sayidaty Magazine”, the Media Sponsor of this campaign. Also, would like to extend my thanks to the Media and Health Awareness General Department for the colossal efforts it has been exerting in pursuit of bringing such campaigns into being, thus taking part in extend the health awareness shield to cover all the targeted groups throughout our dear country.
In conclusion, allow me to announce the inauguration of the National Osteoporosis Awareness Campaign, hoping that it will accomplish the targets and objectives assigned to it.
 
Peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you.
 
Last Update : 07 February 2012 04:13 PM
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