International traffic medicine experts lauded Qatar’s leadership role on road safety after the completion of a world congress in Doha that looked at a range of solutions to high death and injury rates.
Maersk Oil Qatar (MOQ) sponsored the 24th International Traffic Medicine Association (ITMA) Congress, which was held for the first time in the Middle East.
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani was the official patron of the ITMA Congress, which attracted medical doctors, physiologists, psychologists, traffic safety experts, vehicle designers and manufacturers, engineers, policy makers, police officers and insurance experts.
Brig Mohamed Abdullah al-Malki, secretary-general of the National Road Safety Committee, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Maersk Oil Qatar (MOQ) for its continued support and backing and for playing such an important part in ensuring the success of the ITMA Congress.”
During the three-day ITMA Congress, the experts shared the most advanced traffic medicine concepts and techniques to help prevent traffic crashes and boost traffic safety, first-aid and medical treatment and, in the process, reduce deaths and disability cases, a statement said.
Sheikh Faisal bin Fahad al-Thani, deputy managing director, MOQ, said: “I am delighted that the 24th ITMA Congress was such a huge success and that Maersk Oil Qatar continues to play our part in ultimately making roads in Qatar safer.”
As part of MOQ’s sponsorship of the 24th ITMA Congress, the Action on Diabetes screening bus was positioned at the venue to highlight practical steps that those with diabetes can take to keep safe while driving.
Action on Diabetes was initiated and funded by Maersk Oil Qatar as part of its long-term commitment to Qatar, the statement added.
Over the past four years, Action on Diabetes has screened 32,000 people for the condition, engaged with thousands of people through awareness campaigns and supported more than 2,000 training opportunities through seven courses to build capacity and support the professional development of doctors, nurses and diabetes educators, including training on the latest techniques in diabetes treatment and support.
Maersk Oil’s Students for Road Safety simulator was also positioned at the event, supporting the importance of youth education and encouraging visitors to develop
a positive road safety culture.