Geographical Locations - Saudi Arabia

• (Statistical) Number of Inhabitants per Doctor: 523
• CIA World Factbook : Saudi Arabia

Organisations and Networks

UN and Multinational

• WHO
  - WHO Country Profile - Saudi Arabia
  - WHO - Tobacco control: Country Profile: Saudi Arabia
  - WHO - Environmental Burden of Disease: Country Profile – Saudi Arabia
• WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) in Cairo

Government

• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs
• King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre
• Saudi Arabia Information Resource

Non-Government

• King Faisal Foundation

Academic Institutions

• King Saud University

National Policy and Related Documents

Reports, Guidelines, and Projects

• Establishment of public health security in Saudi Arabia for the 2009 Hajj in response to pandemic influenza A H1N1
  Mass gatherings of people challenge public health capacities at host locations and the visitors’ places of origin. Hajj — the yearly pilgrimage by Muslims to Saudi Arabia — is one of the largest, most culturally and geographically diverse mass gatherings in the world. With the 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 and upcoming Hajj, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health (MoH) convened a preparedness consultation in June, 2009. Consultants from global public health agencies met in their official capacities with their Saudi Arabian counterparts. The MoH aimed to pool and share public health knowledge about mass gatherings, and review the country’s preparedness plans, focusing on the prevention and control of pandemic influenza. This process resulted in several practical recommendations, many to be put into practice before the start of Hajj and the rest during Hajj. These preparedness plans should ensure the optimum provision of health services for pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, and minimum disease transmission on their return home. Review of the implementation of these recommendations and their effect will not only inform future mass gatherings in Saudi Arabia, but will also strengthen preparedness efforts in other settings. [publication summary] [www.thelancet.com Published online November 14, 2009 DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61927-9]
• Micronutrients Status in Saudi Arabia
  In the last three decades, Saudi Arabia witnessed rapid changes in health, education, social services, and agriculture. These changes had a profound impact on food consumption patterns, health and nutritional status, particularly on the micronutrients status of Saudis. We have reviewed the available literature on the micronutrients status in Saudi Arabia. The results reveal the need of formulated studies to determine the prevalence and causes of vitamin A deficiency and there are very few studies on the zinc status in the Kingdom. Data shows that iron deficiency anemia, vitamin D deficiency and iodine deficiency (in few areas) do exist in Saudi Arabia. Ameliorative measures are presented to combat this public health problem. [author abstract] [Bahrain Medical Bulletin, Vol.23, No.3, September 2001]
• Premature Mortality in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Associated with Particulate Matter Air Pollution from the 1991 Gulf War
  The State of Kuwait oil fires and military operations associated with the 1991 Gulf War resulted in substantially increased levels of airborne particulate matter (PM) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during 1991 and 1992. Using quantitative risk assessment methodology, this article estimates the increase in premature deaths in citizens of the KSA associated with the Gulf War–related increase in PM air pollution levels. Meta-analysis of daily time-series studies of non-accidental mortality associated with increased PM₁₀ levels using two alternative methodologies yielded exposure response relative risk functions of 2.7% and 3.5% per 50 μg/m³ increase in PM₁₀ concentration. Combining these exposure-response functions with estimates of the magnitude and duration of the increased PM₁₀ exposure, the size of the exposed population and baseline mortality rates provided an estimate of approximately 1,080 to 1,370 excess non-accidental deaths of Saudi citizens during 1991–1992 associated with the Gulf War–related increase in PM levels. [author abstract] [Human and Ecological Risk Assessment, 14: 645–664, 2008]
• Prevalence of intestinal parasites among expatriate workers in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia
  Background and Objective: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is considered to be one of the countries with a high number of expatriates. The importance of this study lays in its approach to tackle a significant issue, which is the health of expatriate unskilled laborers who are serving the society in very vital activities such as baby-sitting, cooking and cleaning. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of intestinal parasites among expatriate workers in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among expatriate workers in Al-Khobar, a major city in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Using systematic sampling (1 in 10 files), a sample of 1,019 medical files was studied. Results: The results showed that the prevalence of parasitic infection is 31.4%. 22.3% are single infection and 9.1% with multiple infections (double and triple and quadruple). Hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, and Ascaris lumbricoides were the most common infections in all nationalities. Parasites were found to be more prevalent among Indians followed by Indonesians, Filipinos then Sri Lankans. Conclusion: The prevalence rate found in this study was high enough to merit a spotlight on it as a problem. Health education should be increased to raise awareness of the society about such a health problem. [author abstract] [Middle East Journal of Family Medicine, 2005; Vol. 3 (3): 17-21]
• Quality of primary health care in Saudi Arabia: a comprehensive review
  Objectives: Little is known about the quality of primary care in Saudi Arabia, despite the central role of primary care centers in Saudi health strategy. This study presents an overview of quality of primary care in Saudi Arabia, and identifies factors impeding the achievement of quality, with the aim of determining how the quality of Saudi primary care could be improved. Method: Using a systematic search strategy, data were extracted from the published literature on quality of care in Saudi primary care services, and on barriers to achieving high-quality care. Results: Of the 128 studies initially identified, 31 met the inclusion criteria for the review. Studies identified were diverse in methodology and focus. Components of quality were reviewed in terms of access and effectiveness of both clinical and interpersonal care. Good access and effective care were reported for certain services including: immunization, maternal health care, and control of epidemic diseases. Poor access and effectiveness were reported for chronic disease management programs, prescribing patterns, health education, referral patterns, and some aspects of interpersonal care including those caused by language barriers. Several factors were identified as determining whether high-quality care was delivered. These included management and organizational factors, implementation of evidence-based practice, professional development, use of referrals to secondary care, and organizational culture. Conclusion: There is substantial variation in the quality of Saudi primary care services. In order to improve quality, there is a need to improve the management and organization of primary care services. Professional development strategies are also needed to improve the knowledge and skills of staff. [author abstract] [International Journal for Quality in Health Care 2005; Volume 17, Number 4: pp. 331–346]
• Roll Back Malaria Monitoring and Evaluation: Saudi Arabia
  "Saudi Arabia is situated in the area of transition between the Palaearctic and Afrotropical co-epidemiological types of malaria. The former, which infected the eastern, central and northern parts of the country, was eliminated at the beginning of the 1970s. Afrotropical malaria, with P. falciparum as the prevailing parasite and A. arabiensis as the main vector, was prevalent in the south-west part of the country at altitudes below 2000m. Malaria is still endemic in parts of this area, especially in its southern part (Jazan). Its existence is perpetuated by continuous importation from Yemen… In 2003, a total of 1724 confirmed cases were reported, of which 582 were locally transmitted. In the malarious free areas only imported cases were reported. The country has a competent and adequately financed central malaria unit and an efficient information system on malaria. The MoH has taken the initiative for strengthening malaria control activities in the country, which is timely and concordant with the global initiative of RBM. A clear system to overcome the constraints and ensure rapid and timely implementation of the activities was developed." [Roll Back Malaria, 2005]
• Smoking in a Saudi Community: Prevalance [sic], Influencing Factors, and Risk Perception
  Background and Objectives: Smoking is a major preventable cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world, but little information is available about the prevalence of smoking in Saudi Arabia. This study determined the prevalence of and major factors influencing smoking in our community. Methods: We used a questionnaire to determine smoking prevalence of males over age 12 attending a primary care clinic in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire included items about factors influencing the decision to start smoking, attempts to stop smoking, and awareness of the risks of smoking. Results: Of 634 subjects, 34.4% (218) were current smokers, 16.4% (104) were ex-smokers, and 49.2% (312) were nonsmokers. The most common (66%) reason for starting smoking was friends’ influence. About 75% had thought of stopping smoking, and 55% had actually attempted to stop. The most common (34%) reason reported for failed attempts to stop smoking was lack of willpower. Awareness regarding the harmful effects of smoking was high (97.2%). More than 80% thought that a special smoking clinic would be helpful for quitting smoking. Conclusions: Smoking prevalence is high in our community in Saudi Arabia. Most of the smokers know that smoking is dangerous and want to quit smoking but fail to stop for various reasons. Interventions are needed to decrease the prevalence of smoking in Saudi Arabia. [Fam Med 2001; 33 (5): 367-70]
• Trafficking in children and child involvement in beggary in Saudi Arabia
  "Saudi Arabia has a grave trafficking-in-children problem that mainly affects an undetermined number (but in the tens of thousands) of foreign children. At the outset, it should be registered that the Kingdom –against all apriori perceptions –is not in denial mode with regard to this problematic. Rather, it has decided to approach and address it systematically, professionally, and with transparence. Against all apriori perceptions –because, trafficking in children is a particularly sensitive issue for Saudi Arabia. It is one which has critical local and international linkages with: the religious rites of hajj and ‘umra; organized crime; migration policy; human rights; sexual exploitation and violence against foreign children; law enforcement and criminal justice; security; poverty in the heart of abundance; and the image of the Kingdom abroad. Furthermore, it is a problem that has foreign policy implications with an important ally of the Kingdom, the United States and its Trafficking Victim Protection Act, and with Muslim countries whose child citizens are victim of trafficking into Saudi Arabia as the country of destination. UNICEF is currently engaged in the provision of technical assistance to and joint planning with national institutions to address the problem of trafficked children in the country: (1) a strategic planning workshop will be organized to develop a strategy and a plan of action to combat trafficking in children in the Kingdom; (2) a comprehensive multi-disciplinary study of the problematic will be undertaken by national universities and institutions with UNICEF; and (3) a series of thematic consultations and training events will be organized for developing national capacity, sharing lessons learned, and defining directions for action." [United Nations Children’s Fund, Gulf Area Office]
• Womens' [sic] opinions on antenatal care in developing countries: results of a study in Cuba, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Argentina
  Background: The results of a qualitative study carried out in four developing countries (Cuba, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Argentina) are presented. The study was conducted in the context of a randomised controlled trial to test the benefits of a new antenatal care protocol that reduced the number of visits to the doctor, rationalised the application of technology, and improved the provision of information to women in relation to the traditional protocol applied in each country. Methods: Through focus groups discussions we were able to assess the concepts and expectations underlying women's evaluation of concepts and experiences of the care received in antenatal care clinics. 164 women participated in 24 focus groups discussion in all countries. Results: Three areas are particularly addressed in this paper: a) concepts about pregnancy and health care, b) experience with health services and health providers, and c) opinions about the modified Antenatal Care (ANC) programme. In all three topics similarities were identified as well as particular opinions related to country specific social and cultural values. In general women have a positive view of the new ANC protocol, particularly regarding the information they receive. However, controversial issues emerged such as the reduction in the number of visits, particularly in Cuba where women are used to have 18 ANC visits in one pregnancy period. Conclusion: Recommendations to improve ANC services performance are being proposed. Any country interested in the application of a new ANC protocol should regard the opinion and acceptability of women towards changes. [author abstract] [BMC Public Health 2003, 3: 17]

Educational Resources

• CDC - Travel Information: Middle East