The events of the educational, awareness campaign on the prevention of scabies (Prevention, Safety and Control of Epidemics) were concluded, today, with holding a symposium entitled (Scabies: Facts & Illusions) at Maternity and Children Hospital in Makkah, in the presence of Dr. Anas Sadeo; director of the hospital; Dr. Ali Al-Shaeri, dean of the Institute of Research and Consultation Studies; Dr. Saad Al-Ghamdi, dean of the Preparatory Year Deanship; Dr. Maheh Andijani, vice dean of the College of Applied Medical Sciences; and Dr. Yousef Al-Otaibi, vice dean of the Institute of Research and Consultation Studies, along with a number of those interested and specialized in this area. The campaign has been organized by UQU’s Institute of Research and Consultation Studies in cooperation with the Training and Continuing Medical Education Unit as well as the medical colleges for two weeks.

The participants in the symposium broached a number of topics; Dr. Abdullah Osman, a microbiology consultant at UQU’s Department of Biology, brought up the scabies epidemic, and what is the most affected area in the world as well as the global burden of disease. Then, Dr. Mona Abdel-Fattah, medical parasitology consultant at King Abdullah Medical City’s laboratory, gave a presentation on the microscopic shapes of scabies mite and their bodies, how they appear on the body, its diagnosis and the real form of the parasite incubating for scabies; in addition to diagnosis by tissue examination and by molecular biology. Dr. Hisham Adnan Malek, infection control specialist and professor of infection and global health assistant at Umm Al-Qura University, talked about the treatment and prevention of scabies, facts about scabies and how it protects the person himself and his family from scabies. The symposium was moderated by Dr. Saad Al-Ghamdi.

In turn, Dr. Ali extended his thanks and appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of the campaign’s activities; praising the support and interest of Dr. Abdullah Bafeel, UQU President, and his keenness to provide quality and educational programs for all segments of society. He mentioned that this campaign is within the initiatives and programs that the Institute prepares, and the series of services in the consulting and training aspects.

He pointed out that this educational, awareness campaign that was launched by the UQU President, included many symposiums and programs at the university’s various headquarters, fields and public places in Makkah.

It continued for two weeks and contributed to the community awareness and education of scabies, and how to prevent it. He added that the institute- in Allah’s willing- will activate the awareness campaigns on the health aspects, in cooperation with the Training and Continuing Medical Education Unit as well as the medical colleges to serve the society.