Oman reported its first case of HIV/AIDS in 1984, and has since observed a rising trend.
In the last ten years alone, approximately 100 new cases have been reported each year, a relatively high figure for a low prevalence country.
Amouage has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to fund a study to facilitate an HIV/AIDS study amongst injecting drug users in the country.
Representing 50 per cent of the annual worldwide sales generated by Amouage's Opus IV fragrance from 2010-12, a total of RO50,000 will be donated to the ministry to boost efforts of the National AIDS Program in effectively monitoring, preventing, treating and providing care services for HIV/AIDS along with other sexually transmitted infections.
H E Dr Darwish bin Saif al Maharbi, Undersecretary for administrative and financial affairs at MoH said, "Our partnership with Amouage marks a great example of the private and public sectors coming together to work on a relatively untouched and complex issue in Oman, and we hope this opens the doors to many more promising endeavours.
"The stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS needs to be removed in order for change to occur, and together with Amouage, we will embark on further steps towards a more informed and healthy nation."
David Crickmore, CEO, Amouage, said, "Opus IV is our contribution to raising global awareness on this growing epidemic, which today remains one of the world's most pressing public health matters.
"The socio-behavioural study that will be implemented by MoH is the first of its kind amongst high-risk groups and represents an important step forward in promoting Oman's national health and disease prevention agenda. We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from our customers and partners."
Key findings from the study will be published in a scientific journal which will help shape the prevention and control services available for people living with HIV/AIDS in Oman.
The collaboration between Amouage and MoH is in line with UNAID's global strategy to reduce by 50 per cent by 2015 the transmission of HIV among people who inject drugs.
© Muscat Daily 2013
