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Saudi health workers given priority for vaccine against swine flu ahead of Hajj
Source: BI-ME and Bloomberg , Author: BI-ME staff
Posted: Sat November 7, 2009 10:51 pm
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SAUDI ARABIA. Saudi Arabia has started vaccinating government health workers against swine flu as Muslims prepare for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, risking the spread of the disease.

Health officials working during the pilgrimage, or hajj, have been given priority for the vaccine, the state-owned Saudi Press Agency reported, citing a Saudi health ministry statement today. The health ministry allocated supplies of the vaccine for government workers in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Saudi Arabia, whose economy is the biggest in the Arab world, is working to stop an outbreak of swine flu as pilgrims from 160 countries visit Mecca. The hajj, the world’s largest annual gathering, is due to take place this month.

Other Islamic countries are also trying to prevent H1N1 influenza, or swine flu, from being spread by returning pilgrims. Egypt will give doses of a vaccine to visitors. Iran set age restrictions barring pilgrims over 65 and children under 12, the state-run news agency Mehr reported in August.

Regulators in Saudi Arabia approved GlaxoSmithKline Plc’s vaccine against H1N1 flu, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, said on November 1. The Saudi drug authority collaborated with the US Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency and the Geneva-based World Health Organization before approving London-based Glaxo’s flu vaccine, Pandemrix.

MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS COMMENT & ANALYSIS

date:Posted: September 2, 2010
INTERNATIONAL. The triangle pattern has taken nearly 9 months so far, and a move over US$19.50 could start a multi-month run targeting US$26-US$29 per ounce for starters before a broad pullback.
date:Posted: September 1, 2010
UAE. Given the recent developments in Saudi Arabia and India, there is now a greater level of hope that the TRA and RIM will reach an agreement about the manner in which BB Messenger services are provided.
date:Posted: September 1, 2010
UAE. GCC Telecom markets are on the verge of saturation, while prices decline due to increasing competition, resulting in telcos profits being under very high pressure.