Abu Dhabi Poison Prevention Week:The Health Authority (HAAD) initiative, Global Citynews

Dec. 16, 2011 - PRLog -- The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the regulatory body of the health care sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, launched  "Abu Dhabi Poison Prevention Week", an initiative to increase awareness among residents on accidental poisoning incidents that may occur at home.

The initiative focuses on educating the public about the safe use and storage of household cleaning products, safe use of pesticides, and safe use of medicine. According to global statistics most cases of poisoning are caused by household cleaners, such as cleaning materials, or medicines, cosmetics and personal care items. 89% of all cases of exposure to poisoning occur at home, 86.7% of the cases are unintentional poisoning, 75% of cases of poisoning involving the ingestion of a toxic substance, and 77% of all cases of poisoning are treated within the place in which they occurred, through advice and expert assistance by poison centers through the phone.

Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi, Director of Customer care and Corporate Communication said: "The launch of Abu Dhabi Poison Prevention Week is part of HAAD's responsibility towards the community. We aim to increase awareness and adoption of healthy living standards among the residents of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi."

In the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in 2010 and 2011, Poison and Drug Information Center (PDIC) at HAAD received 200 poison cases; 45% of cases resulting from the inappropriate use of drugs dispensed without a prescription (OTC), pesticides, detergents and household products.

The Center also received 27 cases of accidental exposure to pesticides (either by ingestion or by inhalation) originating in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. The pesticides were identified in 5 of the exposures, while the rest of the cases origin could not be determined; however, the clinical pictures alluded to organophosphate or phosphine gas poisoning.

Dr. Yasser Sharif, Head, PDIC at HAAD said: "The dangers of poison exposure exist even in your own home. That is why most non-fatal poisonings occur in children at home younger than 6 years of age. Mishandling of cosmetics, medicines, household cleaning products, and pesticides can also lead to serious poisonings."

"The campaign activities emphasize on the importance of calling the HAAD Poison and Drug Information Center at the national toll-free number 800-424 to increase public awareness in regards to proper ways in case of home poison exposures and guide them in simple first aid measures" Dr. Yasser added.

The Poison Prevention Week activities will be held at shopping malls in Al Ain from 8 – 10 December and Al Mushrif Mall from 15 – 17 December with children activity corners, where they can enjoy their time while learning.

The list of recommendations by HAADfor the safe use of pesticides includes:Verify the pesticide's company license. Call The Center of Waste Management- Abu Dhabi for the approved list of agencies.
For more information on the campaign please visit:  www.adppw.ae

Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD):
The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD) is the regulative body of the Healthcare Sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and ensures excellence in Healthcare for the community by monitoring the health status of the population. HAAD defines the strategy for the health system, monitors and analyses the health status of the population and performance of the system.

In addition, HAAD shapes the regulatory framework for the health system, inspects against regulations, enforce standards and encourages adoption of world – class best practices and performance targets by all healthcare service providers in the Emirate. HAAD also drives programs to increase awareness and adoption of healthy living standards among the residents of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in addition to regulating scope of services, premiums and reimbursement rates of the health system in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.


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The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the regulatory body of the health care sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, launched "Abu Dhabi Poison Prevention Week": Global Citynews