PFIZER-BIOTECH COVID VACCINES FOR CHILDREN ages five to 11 will be available in Qatar starting January, according to a senior health official. Dr Mohammad Janahi, Sidra Medicine’s chief of paediatric infectious disease and Outpatient Clinic medical director, shared this news on Qatar Television. During his appearance, he urged parents to vaccinate their children when it is their turn and shared that children in the above age group contribute to 63% of Covid transmissions. sidra.org
MONEY.CO.UK has named Doha the best coastal city to move to in the world and the 12th best city in general in a November 2021 article. The article listed several factors that were considered for this ranking, including average annual income, life expectancy, internet speed, temperature, and water temperature for coastal cities. money.co.uk
THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE (MOC) partnered with Qatar Reads to launch Reading Space, an initiative to promote reading among children. Starting in Lagoona Mall, it is set to circulate different areas in Qatar, including parks and tourist areas, according to Jassim Al Buainain, MOC’s Library Department director. Reading Space is scheduled to continue until 22 February 2022. moc.gov.qa/en
THE NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH HELPLINE logged over 40,000 calls 18 months after its launch in April 2020, according to a report by The Peninsula Newspaper. The helpline was launched at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic to support people with mental health issues, stress, or anxiety. Dr Majid Al Abdulla, chairman of psychiatry at Hamad Medical Corporation, said it is available to anyone struggling. He also added that if further help is needed, referrals to psychiatrists or psychotherapists can be made. The helpline is available by calling 16000 between 7 am and 3 pm, Saturday to Thursday. covid19.moph.gov.qa/EN/Mental-Health