The College of Computing and Information Sciences, UTAS-Muscat hosted a symposium on ‘Confronting the Reality: A Symposium on Substance Abuse in Oman - Challenges, Awareness and Prevention’.
This event brought together leading experts, community members and students to address the pressing issue of substance abuse in Oman.
The symposium featured insightful presentations from renowned medical professionals, including Dr Harith bin Hamood al Amri, Noora bint Said al Zadjaliyah (Al Masarra Hospital), Dr Amira Abdul Mohsin Al Raidan (Prevention Committee at the National Committee for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances), Lt Col Salim bin Mubarak al Yaqubi (the Directorate-General for Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances), Dr Qutba al Ghafri (Oman College of Health Sciences), Dr Fatma al Balushi (Al Rustaq Hospital), Dr Souad Hosni Salem (Shuroq Al Amal Al Alamia Rehabilitation Centre), and Dr Hanan al Sumri (Ministry of Health).
Adding to the impact of the event, students from universities, colleges and schools participated in poster and short video competitions, showcasing their understanding of substance abuse and its consequences. Informative booths hosted by Al Rustaq Hospital, Shuroq Al Amal Al Alamia Rehabilitation Centre, and Positive Vision Association, Oman provided valuable resources and raised awareness among attendees.
The symposium was honoured by the presence of Dr Huda bint Salim al Shueiliyah, Deputy Chancellor of UTAS for E-Services and Student Services, along with other distinguished university leaders including Dr Khalid bin Salim al Abri, Deputy of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and Dr Muna bint Saif al Rahbiyah, Head of the College of Computing and Information Sciences, UTAS-Muscat.
The project funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation was led by Dr Vinu Sherimon as Principal Investigator, with Dr Huda bint Salim al Shueiliyah serving as Co-Principal Investigator. Co-Investigators included Dr Abraham Varghese and Nasser bin Mohammed al Hosni from UTAS-Muscat, Dr Sherimon PC from Arab Open University, Dr Rahul V Nair from Aster Al Raffah Hospital, Dr Sangeetha P Venkatesh from Royal Oman Police Hospital and Nahla al Anqodi from Oman Nutrition and Dietetics Society.
"We are proud to have provided a platform for open dialogue and collaboration on this crucial issue," said Dr Sherimon. "The symposium fostered a deeper understanding of substance abuse challenges and highlighted the importance of community-wide efforts in prevention and support."
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