Latest news with #MoH
Observer
5 hours ago
- Health
- Observer
MoH issues guidelines to protect workers from heat stress
Muscat: As temperatures rise during the summer months in the Sultanate of Oman, the risk of heat stress emerges as one of the most significant challenges facing outdoor work environments, particularly at construction sites and open project areas. In this context, the Ministry of Health (MoH), has launched an awareness initiative titled 'Safe Summer', aimed at raising awareness among employers and workers about the dangers of heat stress and ways to prevent it. This initiative reflects the commitment of the concerned authorities to safeguard the health and safety of workers. As part of the campaign, the Ministry of Health issued a set of general recommendations that employers must adhere to in order to reduce the risk of heat stress. These include implementing smart work schedules by assigning strenuous tasks during the early morning or late afternoon hours, and prohibiting outdoor work during peak heat periods specifically from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm during the months of June, July and August. Authorities also emphasised the importance of providing regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. Rest periods should last between 45 to 60 minutes when working in a hot environment. Additionally, workers should have access to drinking water and hydration materials to help maintain body hydration and replace lost fluids. In terms of improving the working environment, the recommendations stress the use of air conditioning or fans in indoor workspaces, as well as portable fans and umbrellas in outdoor areas, to help reduce surrounding temperatures. The campaign also underscores the importance of increasing awareness through training workers to recognise the signs of heat stress and respond appropriately. Educational materials including posters, brochures and short videos should be available at worksites. Furthermore, employers are advised to monitor daily temperature and humidity levels and to identify high-risk groups such as individuals with diabetes, heart conditions, or those taking diuretics, giving them priority in protective measures. HEAT STRESS To better understand the health impacts of heat stress, the Observer spoke to Dr Muna Mohammed, an Emergency Medicine Specialist, who emphasised that heat stress is not limited to fatigue or exhaustion it can escalate into severe conditions such as heatstroke, which may lead to unconsciousness or organ failure if not treated immediately. She added that it is crucial for workers to recognise early warning signs such as excessive sweating, dizziness, muscle cramps and blurred vision. If any of these symptoms appear, the worker should be moved to a shaded, well-ventilated area and provided with water. If symptoms do not improve, emergency services should be contacted right away. Dr Muna affirmed that the measures adopted by the authorities in Oman reflect advanced public health awareness. She stressed the importance of cooperation between employers and health agencies to mitigate the risks of heat stress and ensure the safety of the workforce. Through this campaign, the Ministry of Health calls on all public and private institutions to comply with the recommendations and conduct ongoing awareness efforts, especially during the summer months when heat stress cases are more common.
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Oman launches updated national HIV guidelines
Muscat – Represented by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Health (MoH) launched an updated edition of the National HIV Guidelines on Thursday marking a significant step forward in the sultanate's efforts to enhance the quality of care for people living with HIV. The event was held under the patronage of H E Dr Ahmed bin Salem al Mandhari, Undersecretary for Planning and Health Regulation at MoH, and attended by Dr Amal al Ma'niyah, Director General of Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, alongside several senior officials and healthcare professionals. Revision of the national guidelines forms part of MoH's ongoing commitment to standardising the provision of care and treatment across healthcare institutions in line with evidence-based best practices. It also aims to enhance the capacity of healthcare providers, support the objectives of the National AIDS Strategy, and help mitigate the health and social impacts of the virus. The updated guidelines offer practical, clinical and scientific recommendations in key areas such as diagnosis, treatment and long-term follow-up. These also address the psychological, social and human rights factors affecting people living with HIV. Developed in collaboration with national and international experts, the guidelines align with global standards established by World Health Organization and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. On the sidelines of the launch, a training workshop was held for 150 healthcare professionals representing health institutions across all governorates. Organised by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in partnership with The Royal Hospital, the workshop focused on key updates in the 2025 National HIV Guidelines, implications of these on clinical practice and ways to foster stronger inter-professional collaboration among HIV service providers. The centre emphasised the fact that the updated guidelines represent a pivotal advancement in improving the quality of life for people living with HIV, reducing new infection rates, and combating the stigma and discrimination associated with the virus.
Rakyat Post
3 days ago
- Health
- Rakyat Post
Malaysia Records First COVID-19 Death In 2025
Subscribe to our FREE Malaysia has recorded its first COVID-19-related death of 2025, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Health (MoH) on 19 June. The fatality occurred during Epidemiological Week 24 (8–15 June). The individual, who had serious pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, had not received the second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. MoH noted that this was the first COVID-19 death since 26 May 2024, and a significant drop compared to the 57 COVID-related deaths reported in 2024. COVID-19 Cases on the Rise, But Situation Under Control As of Week 24, Malaysia has reported 21,738 cumulative COVID-19 cases in 2025, with the weekly average hovering around 900 cases. However, MoH did flag a 68% week-on-week spike, with 3,379 cases reported in Week 24 compared to 2,011 the previous week. Despite the increase, the ministry assured that the national COVID-19 situation remains stable and below the national alert threshold. In terms of severe cases, six patients were admitted to the ICU, all with underlying health issues. All have since been discharged from intensive care; four have returned home, while two remain in regular hospital wards for follow-up treatment. New Variant on the Radar: NB.1.8.1 or 'Nimbus' The World Health Organisation (WHO) is closely monitoring the spread of NB.1.8.1, a Photo: Freepik WHO has classified Nimbus as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) due to its rapid transmission and potential health risks. Nimbus spreads faster than previous variants. Common symptoms include: razor-blade-like sore throat, fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches and nasal congestion. What You Can Do Health experts continue to urge the public to take precautions, especially as new variants emerge. Wear a high-quality mask in crowded indoor spaces, improve indoor ventilation: open windows, use fans or air purifiers, get tested if you're feeling unwell or exposed to COVID-19, and stay home when sick to reduce the risk of transmission. Photo: Malay Mail While Malaysia's current COVID-19 situation remains under control, this latest death and the emergence of new variants serve as reminders that vigilance and public health measures remain crucial. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Sixteen leprosy cases detected in Kelantan since 2023
GUA MUSANG: Sixteen leprosy cases have been detected in Kelantan from 2023 up to the middle of this year. State Health Director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said three cases were recorded this year, seven in 2023 and six throughout 2024. 'In 2023, there were seven cases, five were Multibacillary (MB) type and two were Paucibacillary (PB). For 2024, six cases were recorded, all of which were of the MB type. 'The Health Ministry (MoH) has implemented preventive treatment for leprosy through the administration of Single Dose Rifampicin (SDR) to individuals who had close contact with patients, as a step to reduce the risk of infection,' he told reporters after opening the 2025 Kelantan-Level World Leprosy Day celebration at Kampung Pasir Linggi, Pos Lebir, here today. He said all patients who have completed treatment must undergo extended monitoring at treatment centres, five years for PB cases and ten years for MB cases. 'The treatment duration for PB patients is six months, while for MB cases it is 12 months. The MoH carries out continuous monitoring, especially in areas identified as high-risk,' he said. Dr Zaini said leprosy does not have distinct symptoms and is often confused with other skin conditions, such as 'panau' (tinea versicolor), a superficial fungal skin infection that causes discolored patches on the skin. 'There may be whitish patches on the skin, but a key difference is the loss of sensation in the affected area due to nerve damage. 'Therefore, early screening and collecting skin smears are essential for laboratory analysis,' he said.
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Oman launches campaign to raise heart health awareness
Muscat – Ministry of Health (MoH) has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness of heart disease and encouraging early detection. The initiative, titled 'Heart of the Nation: One Pulse, One Goal', is being led by the National Center for Cardiac Medicine and Surgery. The campaign will run across all governorates and will include community-based activities designed to educate both citizens and residents about cardiovascular health, risk factors and treatment options. Dr Najeeb bin Zahran al Rawahi Dr Najeeb bin Zahran al Rawahi, Director of the National Centre for Cardiac Medicine and Surgery, said scientific sessions will be organised alongside the public campaign. These will target cardiologists and healthcare professionals to share the latest developments in heart disease treatment and improve the patient referral process. 'This campaign reinforces the centre's leadership in cardiac care and reflects our commitment to delivering treatment that meets the highest global standards,' Dr Rawahi said. Since its opening in 2015, the centre has performed 9,168 heart surgeries, including open-heart operations and interventional catheterisation. Dr Rawahi noted that success rates range between 93% and 96%, consistent with international norms. Between 2015 and the end of 2024, the centre also carried out 49,846 adult cardiac catheterisations and 7,823 paediatric procedures, achieving success rates of between 97% to 99%. 'These numbers speak to the dedication and expertise of our medical and technical teams,' he added. To meet the increasing demand, the centre is expanding its facilities. Operating rooms and catheterisation laboratories are being upgraded with advanced medical technology, and additional catheterisation units are being introduced to shorten waiting times. Plans are also in place to broaden the network of specialised outpatient clinics. New units will include services for genetic heart conditions and severe heart failure. Existing services are also being enhanced. Dr Rawahi said the centre is committed to advancing cardiac research through collaboration with local and international institutions, aiming to support innovation and improve the overall quality of care provided.
