Campaign to curb allergies among children in Dubai

An educational campaign targeting 10,000 children has been launched in Dubai to raise awareness on allergies.
The campaign by Bayer will be carried out throughout schools in Dubai to promote awareness among students. One study found prevalence of allergic rhinitis in school children in some parts of the UAE to be as high as 36 per cent.
The campaign will include a series of education materials, videos, workshops and classes. It will also raise awareness among parents and caregivers, providing allergy management tips for the home and emphasising the importance of seeing a specialist for timely diagnosis.
Mohamed Galal, vice-president and head of Bayer Middle East Consumer Health, said:
"Knowledge and disease awareness among children are incredibly important to influence their health choices throughout adulthood; promoting awareness while influencing and empowering children's choices at this crucial stage will benefit them in the long-term and improve their overall quality of life."
Dr Bassam Mahboub, consultant pulmonologist and head of the pulmonary medicine unit at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and head of Emirates Allergy and Respiratory Society, said: "One study found prevalence of allergic rhinitis in school children in some parts of the UAE to be as high as 36 per cent, which could impact their school productivity and academic performance due to absence.
"Many allergy cases are not controlled, so we need to increase awareness among children, families and schools about the definition of allergy, its symptoms and how to differentiate allergic rhinitis from a common cold," he said.
Symptoms may be aggravated by environmental factors such as dust, grass and pollen and animals.It has been found that the prevalence of allergy in especially high amongst children, emphasising the need for educational awareness on the importance of correct allergy diagnosis.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Dubai

Asma Ali Zain

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com