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'Together Against Aids' launched

The five-year campaign was launched in February this year. The second phase will continue until November 23 as per the recommendation of Consultative Forum held in the UAE last month.

Brigadier Mohamed Saeed Al Mari, Deputy Director of Community Services Department at Dubai Police, said a number of public and private organisations will participate in the campaign. The current phase of the campaign will include distribution of books and awareness leaflets as well as other awareness programmes at the UAE level. During this phase also, people can call the toll-free number '800 Aids' launched at the beginning of the campaign.

He said that the campaign team work will be headed by Mariam Al Matroushi, representative of Ministry of Health, and include representatives of different departments viz Dr Mohammed Sanjel, Director of Medical Services Department of the Dubai Police; Ahmed Abdul Rahman from the Ministry of Education; Mouza Al Shahi from UAE Armed Forces; Salem Mohamed Jaber, Ministry of Justice; Dr Ibtisam Al Bastaki from the Department of Health and Medical Services; and Mohamed Abdulla Al Zarouni from Dubai Red Crescent.

Brig. Al Mari said that the team will conduct analytical studies for the required services, formulate a national plan, develop a hotline, spread awareness among the students, train social workers and organise workshops on Aids.

In his speech, Dr Mohamed Al Murr, Director of Human Rights Department at Dubai Police, reviewed UAE's anti-HIV efforts, including the national programme to combat Aids launched in 1985.

He said that the UAE has banned the import of blood from outside the emirates and the concerned authorities conduct periodic tests on UAE nationals and expatriates on different occasions. Expatriates who are affected by HIV are deported, he said, adding that there are 18 laboratories approved by the government to conduct HIV tests at the UAE level. He also confirmed that the UAE gives free treatment to Aids patients.

The proposed strategy for combating Aids includes preventive awareness campaign; issuance of directory for teachers regarding organisation of activities and competitions about Aids; highlighting the role of those who are affected by Aids; launch of electronic web site for Aids; integration of Aids patients in society; establishment of Aids Centre to support the patients; conducting HIV tests for tourists; deporting the patient and putting their names on the black list to ensure they do not come back to the UAE.

• UAE