Muscat
The 14th Conference of the Middle East and North Africa Clinical Toxicology Association (MENAtox) commenced today in Muscat. The conference discusses the latest developments, research, and scientific discoveries related to the treatment of various types of poisoning, with the participation of over 150 experts from around the world, and will continue for four days.
The conference was inaugurated by His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority.
In her speech, Dr. Badriya bint Ali Al-Hatali, a consultant physician and head of the Toxicology Department at the Environmental and Occupational Health Directorate, as well as the President of the Middle East and North Africa Clinical Toxicology Association and the organizing committee of the conference, emphasized that the association has made significant progress since its establishment in 2009. She mentioned several exciting initiatives planned, such as supporting fellowship training in environmental toxicology, obtaining professional certifications in the Middle East and North Africa, monitoring exposure to chemicals and data sharing, creating a registry for insect poisoning, and providing technical consultations to health ministries and poison control centers in the region.
She noted that the conference will address pressing issues in environmental toxicology, focusing on the latest challenges, enhancing collaboration, sharing valuable insights, and inspiring ongoing efforts in this field.
For his part, Dr. Ziad Ghazi, Executive Director of the Middle East and North Africa Association, stated that the conference topics cover a wide range of areas related to environmental toxicology and clinical practice, including chemical poisoning, insect poisoning, poisoning in critical care, pediatric toxicology, injuries from chemical, biological, and radiological weapons, and the safe management of chemicals, among others.
The conference will feature discussions and sessions related to chemical exposures in the workplace and surrounding environment, radiation exposures, chemical and radiological disasters, and how to manage them. It will also review the fundamentals of this vital science for newcomers to the field and the best approved training methods and relevant national programs.
The conference includes regional meetings to enhance cooperation among Middle Eastern and North African countries, scientific and technical sessions, and research presentations by leading experts, as well as workshops and interactive discussions on emerging challenges in toxicology.
His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority and patron of the event, toured the accompanying exhibition, where local and international specialized companies showcased the latest innovations in emergency preparedness and response to toxicological incidents, in addition to research summaries, leading scientific papers in clinical toxicology, brochures, and awareness posters.
