Abu Dhabi, Dec, 21st, 2009 (WAM) -- The Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the regulatory body of the Healthcare Sector in Emirate of Abu Dhabi, organised a symposium on H1N1 updates targeting medical doctors in different specialties from public and private healthcare facilities.
The symposium that was accredited and organised by CME/CPD section themed "Epidemiological Overview of Pandemic H1N1" addressed pandemic of influenza, the myth that merges with Virology, updates on the H1N1 Influenza management and tools that can help clinicians to identify individuals at risk and appropriate management. Dr. Noura Al Menhali, CME/CPD Section Head at HAAD said: "Accredited ongoing medical education programs like the H1N1 symposium, play an important role in increasing awareness and capabilities of all clinicians on major health issues and helps in managing and limiting the occurrence of the H1N1 influenza". HAAD is taking proactive steps to prevent the occurrence of H1N1 in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and had issued many circulars to doctors asking them to be fully prepared to deal with any potential cases. HAAD delivered a media campaign targeting the community and schools updating them on necessary measures to be taken in dealing with this situation. People have been encouraged to take common-sense precautions, such as washing hands regulary, avoiding crowded places and disposing of used tissues quickly. Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Senior Communicable Diseases Officer at HAAD said: "HAAD is keeping a close surveillance on people coming with the slightest flu like symptoms. The Ministry of Education has established measures to be taken when a case of H1N1 is discovered in any given school, the UAE has the capacity, trained doctors, laboratory facilities, stockpiles of drugs and agents to combat H1N1and to ensure the health safety of residents." The symposium was presented by Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Senior Communicable Diseases Officer, HAAD; Dr. Asim Malik, Chairman, Infection Control Consultant and Chief Infectious Diseases Division, Mafraq Hospital; Prof. Waheed Tariq, Consultant Microbiologist, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tawam hospital and Dr. Hassan Shurie, Consultant & Head of Technical Services, and a member of H1N1 committee at Dubai Health Authority and the UAE National Technical Committee. Certificates of appreciation were distributed by Dr. Noura Al Menhali to all attendees at the end of the event.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2009.
