Village celebrates return of HIV-free Reham

September 4, 2013

HIV-free_Reham

Jeddah, Sep 4: Thirteen-year-old Reham Al-Hekami, the victim of an HIV-contaminated blood transfusion at Jazan Public Hospital, returned to her hometown in the southern region on Monday after receiving intensive treatment at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh.

Mazhara village celebrated her arrival with a large number of people, including friends and relatives, present at King Abdullah Airport in Jazan to receive her. Blood tests at reputable international laboratories have proven that she is now HIV-free, hospital sources said.

“We are extremely happy that Reham has returned to her family and friends in good health,” said Abdullah Al-Suwaid, deputy governor of Jazan, who was present at the airport to receive her.

He said Jazan Gov. Prince Mohammed bin Nasser has ordered that Reham’s family be given a house. “The governor has followed the case of Reham from the beginning,” he said.

Speaking to reporters on her arrival in Jazan, Reham said she was happy to have recovered so quickly and was looking forward to seeing her school friends. She thanked all those who prayed for her good health.

“Reham is now in good health and is in high spirits,” said her uncle Ali Al-Hekami. He thanked the government and King Faisal Hospital for the good care extended to his niece.

Reham became popular after national and international media highlighted her case.

The Ministry of Health had fired a number of officials at Jazan Public Hospital, including the hospital’s director general, medical director and laboratory and blood bank manager. The latter was also fined SR10,000.

The ministry had described the incident as a “huge mistake” and apologized to “the girl, her parents, family and Saudi society” for the pain inflicted on the girl.

People across the Kingdom expressed their happiness at the safe return of Reham from hospital. “Thank God for your safety. Mazhara village welcomes you and may God protect you from all evil,” said Abdullah Ibrahim Jahfali.

While congratulating Reham and her family, Ahmed Shehry, a Saudi, urged the government to take strict measures to end medical errors and urged hospitals and doctors to do their best to save lives. “Enough is enough for medical errors in the Kingdom,” he said.

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News Network
April 25,2020

Apr 25: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday spoke to his counterparts from Qatar, the UAE, Niger, Palestine and Czech Republic and held discussions around the coronavirus infection.

In conversation with Qatar Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Jaishankar discussed their experience of dealing with coronavirus infection and also thanked him for taking care of the Indian community.

"A cordial conversation with FM @MBA_AlThani_ of #Qatar. Discussed our #coronavirus experiences. Thanked him for taking care of the Indian community. Such challenging times will only further strengthen our friendship," he said in a tweet.

Jaishankar also spoke to United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed.

"Pandemics further highlight the need for international cooperation. Few better examples than our relationship with #UAE. Applaud the generosity of spirit and clarity of policy that has characterised its approach. Thank HH @ABZayed for the warm conversation today," he said in another tweet.

Jaishankar also spoke to Niger Foreign Minister Kalla Ankourao and assured him of India's support in meeting the coronavirus challenge, including medicines.

"Just spoke with FM @kallaankourao of #Niger. Assured him of India's support in meeting the #coronavirus challenge, including medicines. Discussed its global implications in the context of the United Nations," he tweeted.

Jaishankar also discussed the coronavirus situation with Palestine Foreign Minister Riad Al Malki. "Welcomed speaking with FM Riad Al Malki of #Palestine. Discussed the #coronavirus situation. Assured him of Indian medical assistance," he said in a tweet.

He also exchanged experiences on coronavirus response with Czech Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek.

The minister said the two leaders agreed that there are valuable lessons for international cooperation.

"Glad to catch up with FM @TPetricek of #CzechRepublic. Exchanged our experiences on #coronavirus response. Agreed that there are valuable lessons for international cooperation. Look forward to keeping in touch," he said in a tweet.

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News Network
July 10,2020

Dubai, Jul 10: Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan has appointed Dina Amin as CEO of the Visual Arts Commission.

She will take the lead in implementing the ministry’s vision and directions in promoting and developing visual arts in the Kingdom and empowering practitioners in the field.

Amin is a leading Saudi specialist in visual arts and the international contemporary art field. She gained a bachelor’s degree in art history and architecture from Wellesley College, in the US, and also attended a collaborative program in architecture at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

During her career, spanning more than two decades, she has held senior positions in prominent international arts companies, including most recently Phillips, a global auction house for art, design, watches, jewels, and more.

She has also worked at Christie’s, one of the world’s most famous auction houses, employed in senior roles at the company’s international offices including New York, Dubai, and London.

The Visual Arts Commission is one of 11 new cultural bodies recently launched by the Ministry of Culture in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 reform plan to manage the empowerment and development of the Kingdom’s cultural sector. The commission will be responsible for managing and developing the visual arts sector to help achieve the ministry’s goals.

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News Network
February 24,2020

Dubai, Feb 24: Kuwait and Bahrain confirmed on Monday their first novel coronavirus cases, the countries' health ministries announced, adding all had come from Iran.

Kuwait reported three infections and Bahrain one in citizens who had returned home from the Islamic republic.

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