JEDDAH: There is an urgent need to educate residents and citizens about AIDS and HIV, said Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, Minister of Social Affairs, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Abdullah Aal Tawi, Director of Social Affairs, at a training workshop entitled “Positive Reaction to Aids Issues” Sunday in Jeddah. The minister's message was also meant for HIV and AIDS patients, the Saudi Charitable Society for AIDS Patients, philanthropists and society at large. Al-Othaimeen said the Saudi Charitable Society for AIDS Patients has a “huge responsibility” to ensure it deals correctly with AIDS patients, educates people about the disease, the great harm it causes to individuals and society and to “correct some of the misconceptions” about the illness. He said he wanted to emphasize that AIDS patients are citizens who have rights, have to be given medical treatment and allowed to lead normal lives. Al-Othaimeen also urged philanthropists to help AIDS patients for the sake of Almighty Allah Who will reward them on earth and in the Hereafter. Dr. Sami Badawood, Director of the Health Affairs Department in Makkah, welcomed the Saudi Charitable Society for AIDS Patients' cooperation with the Ministry of Health and its role in providing care for AIDS patients. He also highlighted the important role of the media in changing perceptions people have of AIDS patients. He said the participants at the workshop came up with a number of ideas about dealing with those affected by the disease. The director of communicable diseases at the Ministry of Health, who also addressed the workshop said, “The ministry basically aims to protect the Kingdom from the spread of the disease and to help patients and their families.” He said a number of measures were under way, including awareness campaigns, various preventive methods, research to determine the strains of the disease and preventing the spread of the virus by testing all expatriate workers. People infected with Aids at the workshop said their participation was a good sign for the future and said they are living normal lives.
