Today was the conclusion of the proceedings of the education and awareness campaign launched under the theme “Prevention: Epidemic-Free Wellbeing” for scabies prevention. The two-week campaign was organized by the Institute of Consulting Research and Studies at Umm Al-Qura University, in cooperation with the Continuous Medical Education and Training Unit and medical colleges. The proceedings were concluded by holding a symposium entitled “Scabies: Facts and Illusions” at the Maternity and Children Hospital in Makkah. This was in the presence of Dr. Anas Sedayo, Director of the Hospital; Dr. Ali Al-Shaari, Dean of the Institute of Consulting Research and Studies; Dr. Saad Al-Ghamdi, Dean of Preparatory Year; Dr. Maher Andijani, Vice Dean of the College of Applied Medical Sciences; Dr. Yusuf Al-Otaibi, Vice Dean of the Institute of Consulting Research and Studies; and a number of people with interest and specialization in this area.  

The participants at the symposium addressed a number of focal areas. The epidemiology of scabies; the regions most affected by scabies worldwide; and the global burden of disease (GBD) were discussed by Dr. Abdullah Othman, Consultant in Microbiology, Department of Biology, Umm Al-Qura University. Afterward, Dr. Mona Abdulfattah, Consultant in Medical Parasitology at the Laboratory of King Abdullah Medical City, gave a presentation on the microscopic images and the bodies of the scabies mite (sarcoptes scabiei); how it appears on the body; its diagnosis; the actual shape of the parasite responsible for the incubation of scabies; diagnosis through the examination of tissues; and diagnosis through molecular biology. Then, Dr. Hesham Adnan Malak, Infection Control Specialist and Assistant Professor of Infection and Global Health at Umm Al-Qura University, talked about the treatment and prevention of scabies; facts on scabies; and how one can protect themselves and their family from this disease. The symposium was facilitated by Dr. Saad Al-Ghamdi, Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Dean of Preparatory Year.  

For his turn, Dr. Ali Al-Shaari, Dean of the Institute of Consulting Research and Studies, thanked and showed gratitude to all those who contributed to making the proceedings of the campaign a success. Dr. Al-Shaari went on to express his appreciation of the support and attention given by His Excellency Prof. Abdullah bin Omar Bafail, President of the University, and his keenness on providing qualitative, education programs for all segments of society. He pointed out that this campaign is considered one of the initiatives and programs offered by the Institute, as part of a series of services in the areas of consultation and training.  

Dr. Al-Shaari further stated that this education and awareness campaign that was launched by the President of the University involved many symposiums and programs at the different campuses of the University, and in public squares and places across Makkah Region. He said the campaign lasted for two weeks, and contributed to providing society with education and awareness on scabies, and how to prevent it. He continued adding that – God willing – the Institute will work on promoting health-related awareness campaigns in cooperation with the Continuous Medical Education and Training Unit and all colleges of medicine at the University for serving society.