Health Education Department in Dubai and Novartis Consumer Health take action to spread health awareness

Under the supervision and guidance of the General Director of the Punitive and Correctional Institutes of Dubai Police, the anti-smoking awareness program was inaugurated by Dr. Tareq Ahmad Al Hashemi, General Director of Education and Training of Inmates who mentioned the following " we regularly organize similar events in coordination with the Health Education Department in the Ministry of Health and we hold intensive rehabilitation programs across the prisons and correctional facilities. We are committed to the successful re-entry of inmates into society through various educational, sporting and health activities in both facilities".

Mrs. Badriya Aman Obeid, Director of Health Education in the Ministry of Health in Dubai said 'The lectures covered topics such as the effects of smoking on society from a health and economical perspective. A survey on smoking problems was conducted for the attendees and a presentation on the Dangers of Smoking and How to Quit was presented by Dr. Sabri Sharqawi Family Medicine Specialist from the Primary Health Department".

"The Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities also took part in the program with a lecture on Smoking in Islam presented by Shaikh Hussein Abdullah Al Adros. Novartis Consumer Health also participated, aiming at reducing the number of inmates who start smoking and encouraging those who do to quit through the distribution of health awareness material" added Mrs. Badriya Aman.

Novartis also gave an informative session on how to use Nicotinell patches and measured carbon monoxide levels in the lungs of the smokers using the Smokerlyzer test- a quick, non-invasive test that is performed by simply blowing into a disposable mouthpiece that gives colour indicators as to the level of carbon monoxide gas in the body within seconds.

Rany Victor, Nicotinell Manager from Novartis Consumer Health said that Nicotine Replacement Therapy products like patches and gums are best suited to tackle addiction to smoking," as they not only provide a physical solution by weaning the smoker away from the nicotine addiction, but also to boost their willpower by giving them back control over their lives.