Officials allay fears HIV will spread

Ras Al Khaimah: Health officials have been working double time to allay fears of some residents in the Ghaleelah and nearby areas of a possible HIV contamination following reports that a barber tested positive for the deadly virus.

Reports said that some panic-stricken customers of the barber shop rushed to hospitals and medical clinics to undergo HIV-Aids testing after hearing the news.

An official of the Ministry of Health assured residents that they are in no danger of acquiring HIV as the Pakistani barber was immediately sent home by his sponsor after his test results were released.

Dr Amin Al Amiri, Director of the Medical Practices and Licensing Department at the Ministry of Health, said HIV cannot be acquired easily.

He likewise noted that government regulations require salons and barber shops to follow strict hygiene and sanitation standards, including the mandatory sterilisation of scissors, razors and other tools and equipment.

Health inspectors are likewise vigilant in ensuring that regulations are followed by the book.

Al Amiri said the Ministry of Health has been implementing preventive measures that have proven effective in protecting society against the spread of diseases, especially those that are deadly and communicable. Commenting on the case of the 38-year-old barber, Al Amiri said his records show that he entered the UAE in 2005 and tested negative to HIV in an earlier examination conducted when he applied for a residency visa.

The barber, identified only as A.F., was processing the renewal of his residency visa days after arriving from his home country a few weeks ago.

Accompanied by his Emirati sponsor, A.F. underwent the required medical examination, which included HIV-Aids testing.

A.F.'s sponsor immediately cancelled his visa and sent him packing, a health ministry official said.

A.F. was then escorted to the airport and was sent out of the country even before authorities could initiate formal deportation proceedings.

The Pakistani arrived in the UAE in early 2005 and worked in a barber shop in the Ghaleelah area.

The popular establishment also attracted clients from nearby communities as well as nearby areas such as Shaam, Al Jeer, Khor Khowair.

The barber shop has since been closed down.

Police and health ministry officials however, denied they had a hand in the shop's closure.