OMAN TB RATE LOW

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000228 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARP, OES/IHB E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO PREL MU SUBJECT: OMAN TB RATE LOW REF: STATE 26078 ¶1. On March 19, Econoff discussed Oman's plans for World TB Day with Salah al-Awaidy, Director of Infectious Disease Surveillance, Ministry of Health. Awaidy noted that Oman's policy in combating TB was closely associated with the goal of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC),adopted almost 10 years ago, of eliminating TB by 2010. As such, he stated that the government employs very stringent policies for TB cases, including a mandatory two-month hospital stay for patients admitted with the disease. ¶2. Complementing these efforts is the Ministry's work in promoting TB awareness amongst healthcare workers. For this reason, the Ministry, in honor of World TB Day, would be conducting workshops throughout its clinics to stress the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Al-Awaidy further remarked that the Health Ministry would utilize print, television, and radio outlets for public outreach, but since the TB incidence rate was "very low," would not be conducting extensive efforts. GRAPPO