OMAN - A report on the World Health Day activities conducted on 7 April 2001 in Muscat

On the occasion of the World Health Day, the national ceremony was presided over by Dr Ali bin Moahmmed bin Moosa, Minister of Health at the Hotel  Grand Hyatt, Muscat on Saturday, 7 April 2001.  The theme of this year's celebration was, "Mental Health: Stop Exclusion - Dare to Care">

Several educational and culutral themes pertaining to mental health were highlighted during the programme.  It also included a lecture on the importance of mental health, as well as an overview of common mental illness prevalent in Oman.   The role of the family and the community in dealing with people with mental health was discussed.

Dr Mohammed bin Mossa, Minister of Health, delivered a speech on the occasion while Dr. I. M. Abdel Rahim. WHO Representative, Oman read out the message conveyed by Dr. Hussein A. Gezairy, Regional Director of the WHO within the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

The Ministry of Health officials, members from the Majlis Al Shura, and Wali of Muscat Region, Her Excellency Anne Skatvedt, the UNICEF Representative, doctors from the Ibn Sina hospital and Sultan Qaboos University as well as community health workers among others participated in the programme.

To enlighten the public on the creative potential of mentally ill patients, an exhibition of works by patients suffering from mental illness from Ibn Sina hospital and Sultan Qaboos hospital was displayed.  Also on display were selected works of at of school children who had earlier participated in a poster competition organized by WHO, Oman to mark the occasion.

Another highlight of the day's activities included a theatre play - "Between Science and Superstition" written by Mr. Ahmed Al Habsi, A staffer of the ministry's department of health education and information.  The play intended to educate the public about the myths and superstitions relating to mental health illness that need to be overcome.  A 16-member theatre group from Sumail presented the play.

A booklet listing the myths of mental health was distributed free of cost to the public and issued to school libraries as well.

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