To be or not to be exposed to direct sunlight vitamin D deficiency in Oman

Only small amounts of vitamin D come from dietary sources as it is mainly synthesized in the skin from the ultraviolet B [UVB] fraction of sunlight if the person is sufficiently exposed to direct sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency has been well documented in Oman. The "2004 Oman National Micronutrients Survey" and other recent studies revealed that vitamin D3 stores are low among healthy Omani females of childbearing age and pregnant women. This situation is confusing as Oman is known to be one of the sunniest countries in the world. However, it is known that most Omani women are well covered and for various reasons avoid sun exposure. The article addresses a question about the balance that should be maintained between excessive sun exposure that to maintain adequate vitamin D levels. In order to avoid vitamin D deficiency, sun exposure or protection messages must be tailored according to different situations, in recognition of the complex combination of personal, cultural and social factors that affect vitamin D synthesis in the skin

Four decades of progress: evolution of the health system in Oman

Since 1970, Oman has witnessed rapid and significant improvements in health made possible largely because of the country's success in building a state-of-the-art health care infrastructure. This paper presents Oman's experience in health development, analyses the whole system, highlights its strengths and delineates the factors to which Oman's success could be attributed. Furthermore, health care financing and expenditures, health care workforce, the delivery system, quality and other issues are discussed in detail. The paper intends also to study thoroughly the organisation of Oman's health system and discuss health policy, and planning in Oman. This analysis could serve as a source of information for future investigation and development of the health system in Oman

Strategic approach to improving maternal survival in oman

This study of maternal mortality in Oman tries to answer the question: Is the Fifth Millennium Development Goal achievable in Oman or not? In Oman, Maternal Mortality Ratio currently stands at 22.9/100,000, a reduction of 38.9% from its 37.5/100,000 in 2002. This figure suggests that much needs to be done to accelerate progress towards the achievement of the Fifth Millennium Development Goal. Characteristics of 135 Omani women who died during pregnancy, labour or puerperium during the period 1990-2005 were studied. Data related to maternal health in Oman were also scrutinized, e.g. age of first marriage, ante-natal, natal and post-natal care, birth spacing, fertility and perinatal mortality. The study calls for accelerated efforts and renewed commitment to maternal health and recommends a framework for national strategic directions to scale up access to essential interventions to reduce maternal mortality in Oman and move closer to the achievement of the Fifth Millennium Development Goal