Qatar-UNDP ink pact for Aids awareness campaign

Qatar is embarking on a major education and information campaign to prevent the spread of HIV/Aids in Qatar as part of a national Aids Strategy.

An agreement for this strategy was signed by H E Dr Ghalia bint Mohammed Al Thani, Chairperson of the National Health Authority and Dr Khaled Aloush of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
The prevalence of HIV/Aids in Qatar is currently very low, and the purpose of the strategy is to ensure that it does not increase, said a release yesterday.

NHA initiated this strategy, which has been coordinated by the Qatar National Committee on AIDS Prevention. This Committee is chaired by Dr Ghalia bint Mohammed Al Thani.

Its members include representatives from the government departments and organisations concerned, who provide the strategy with its multi-sector approach.

The strategy aims to develop and institute policies and programmes to ensure there is appropriate care and support for people living with HIV/Aids.

The various activities will include an information and communications campaign to raise awareness about the disease amongst the population. Pilot behavioural, health and sociological studies relating to the prevalence of HIV/Aids in Qatar will also be conducted.

The strategy will ultimately aim to build the capacities of major stakeholders in the health sector and other appropriate agencies, including legislators, government leaders, civil society and private sector leaders, as well as individuals living with HIV/Aids. It will also work to build a human rights-enabling environment, and impact upon Qatar's progress towards human development.