Qatar always gives due importance to the health care system in the country and is keen on providing the best services and facilities to the population. And the country has also achieved major milestones in providing the best health care system in the world. The country is also on track to achieve greater objectives in the health care system according to the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The nation has undertaken large expansion plans for health care facilities, which included the opening of various primary health care centres in different parts of the country. These measures are meant to ensure that all residents receive high-quality care in health closer to their place of residence. The expansion processes ensured State’s keenness to facilitate access to health services for all people.
As part of this vision, the country has already launched a comprehensive national influenza vaccination campaign jointly by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
Various studies conducted around the world including that of the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that the vaccination has saved millions of lives. Consistent and continuing efforts are always needed to maintain the robust health parameters of a country to protect the nation’s wealth. According to the WHO, there are about 20 million unvaccinated and under-vaccinated children in the world. Each year, over 1.4 million children die from diseases that could be prevented with readily available vaccines.
In Qatar, with the winter season already approached, the influenza vaccine has been made easily accessible to everyone to ensure timely vaccination of as many people as possible. The vaccine is available for free across all PHCC’s health centres and at 47 private and semi-governmental health care facilities.
The campaign, themed ‘Fight Flu’, aims to ensure that both the community and health care workers are vaccinated. The campaign will last until end of the flu season.
A dedicated website www.stoptheflu.qa has also been created to raise awareness among the public about the vaccine that provides information including on myths and facts as well as information about the spots where people can get the vaccine.
Immunisation and improved treatment have reduced mortality and morbidity rates in Qatar and across the world in recent years. However, communicable diseases remain a significant challenge for public health services.
The flu season in Qatar usually begins around the end of October. The influenza vaccine is designed to protect against three to four influenza viruses that research indicates are most likely to spread and cause illness among people during the upcoming flu season. And it is the endevour of everyone to take part in the campaign and make use of the services for the betterment of the country.
