The Aman Campaign, launched by Oman Pediatric Society (OPS)  in collaboration with the Woman & Child Health Department and the Education & Health Awareness Programs Department of the  Ministry of Health, concluded today (Monday).

The closing ceremony was held under the auspices of H.E. Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Auditorium with the presence of number of Exellencies and Governorates’ Health Directors Generals along with MOH’s senior officials.

In his statement at the event, the Minister of Health mentioned that drowning incidents in the Sultanate of Oman are very high mostly among children less than five years of age. 

H.E. Dr. Al Saidi declared that the campaign, beside its objective represented in highlighting the risks of drowning, it trained health workers as well those in other sectors on carrying out first aids and CPR for drowned persons. Moreover, warning signs were placed around areas containing swimming pools and a heavy accumulation of rainwater in cooperation with the multi-sectors.

His Excellency pointed out that Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate scored the highest in young and elderlies drowning deaths due to the existence of numerous valleys and ponds. Necessary actions were taken though to limit mass water collection and prevent deaths occurrence in the future.

H.H. Sayyida Dr. Khawla Al Julanda 'al Saeed, OPS’s President gave a word at the event where she marked the OPS’ ceaseless endeavour in enhancing the welfare of children through dedicating all efforts and available resources to raise health services in the Sultanate of Oman.

OPS’s President pointed out that the Society has put a great emphasis on social issues most important of which is negligence as being a cause of Paediatric mortality and morbidity.

The first message of the drive focused on the issue of drowning among children, organizing several activities across the Sultanate to raise awareness about protecting children from getting drowned.  

Moreover, the Campaign guided the parents with regard to children health amidst COVID-19 pandemic. The Campaign has also contributed in educating health workers about ways of dealing with children with COVID-19.

The event further included a presentation on drowning among children and the Aman Campaign. 

It should be noted that the Campaign has been launched in 2019 and continued its activities and programs amid pandemic in 2020 and 2021 by the use of social media platforms.

At the end, the patron of the ceremony honoured the winners of the competition that was launched across the Sultanate as part of Aman Campaign. Ash Sharqiyah South Governorate won the first place, while Ash Sharqiyah North scored second. The third place was granted to Al Buraimi and the fourth to Al Batinah South. Al Wusta Governorate won the fifth place while Al Batinah North got the Sixth place. Finally, the Seventh prize was granted to Muscat Governorate.

Moreover, His Excellency the Health Minister honoured Ad Dakhiliyah and Al Dhahira Governorates for activating the Campaign, in addition to all departments and entities that made the Campaign successful.