The Ministry of Health (MOH), represented by the Center for Diseases Surveillance & Prevention and the Communicable Diseases Department, commemorated World Tuberculosis Day, observed annually on March 24, bearing the theme "Yes, We Can End TB.
To mark this occasion, the Center for Diseases Surveillance & Prevention, represented by the Communicable Diseases Department organized today (Monday) a virtual symposium attended by H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Salim Al-Mandhari, MOH Undersecretary for Planning & Health Regulation, H.E. Dr. Said bin Harib Al-Lamki, MOH Undersecretary for Health Affairs along with H.E. Dr. Jean Jabour, Representative of World Health Organization for the Sultanate.
Directors General of Health Services in the governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, along with directors of communicable disease departments in these directorates, participated virtually in the symposium, along with a group of healthcare workers.
The symposium commenced with a speech by Dr. Fatima Mohammed Al Ya'qoubi, Head of the Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases Department at the Center for Diseases Surveillance & Prevention. In her speech, she addressed the significance of commemorating World Tuberculosis Day and the international community's involvement in the fight against tuberculosis.
Moreover, H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Salim Al-Mandhari, MOH Undersecretary for Planning & Health Regulation, touched upon an analysis of the outcomes of the high-level ministerial meeting held at the United Nations in September 2023 regarding the eradication of tuberculosis. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation and governments' commitment to supporting efforts and unifying them, particularly by activating the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment pillars, especially for the most vulnerable groups.
Dr. Amal Al Maani, the Director-General of the Center for Diseases Surveillance & Prevention, highlighted Oman's perspectives on tuberculosis eradication and advocacy for collaboration among various institutions to implement national policies, especially the prevention measures such as screening contacts, screening healthcare workers, and infection prevention and control measures in both government and private institutions.
On this special occasion, the Royal Opera House Muscat illuminated its buildings. This gesture reflects its strong support for efforts to combat tuberculosis and enhance awareness of the importance of eradicating it.
