Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Childhood End - Decade (1990-2000)
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Ministry of Education
Saudi National Commission For Child welfare
General Directorate For Educational Research
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
on
Childhood
End - Decade (1990-2000)
A Synopsis of the Data Set Forth in the Report of
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Childhood
1
1
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Childhood End - Decade (1990-2000)
As Saudi Arabia gives a special care and interest in child welfare in
compliance with Islamic teachings, and on the occasion of the International Year
of the Child (1979), it formed the Saudi National Commission for Child Welfare,
within the jurisdiction of Ministry of Education, to coordinate the activities of
various agencies concerned with child welfare . The Commission is composed of:
a. The Supreme Council for Childhood, headed by the Minister of Education, to
be in charge of considering child’s issues, taking proper decisions and
following up the implementation of such decisions.
b. Planning and Follow-up Committee, headed by Deputy Minister of Education for
Cultural Affairs, to be in charge of preparing programs and projects and
submitting proposals relevant to children services in all walks of life .
The general objective of the Saudi National Commission for Child Welfare
is “to coordinate the activities of various agencies concerned with child welfare
and to encourage programs that assist in promoting such welfare”.
IN 1990, Saudi Arabia participated in the World Summit for Child with an
official delegation headed by H.R.H. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister of Foreign
Affairs. It should be noted that Saudi Arabia is always keen to achieve the goals of
child welfare. To this end, it increases the number of kindergartens, encourages
the private sector to make educational , health and social investments for children
and gives considerable attention to the gifted welfare project.
As the two five-year plans carried out in the last decade included the
children’s needs and aspirations, many leading and prominent projects have come
into existence; such as:
The number of schools has increased from (12808) in 1990 to (21809) in
2000, taking into consideration the qualitative aspect of education output.
Likewise, the number of hospitals and health centers amounted to (1777) centers
and (190) hospitals, along with hospitals and dispensaries of private sector.
Moreover, immunization coverage against tuberculosis, poliomyelitis and
pertussis.. etc. is provided. Furthermore, social welfare for children has gained
enormous financial and moral support.
In 1995, Saudi Arabia ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child,
and took certain measures to introduce it to all segments of society. It also took
executive measures regarding the submitting of its first report in accordance with
article 44, paragraph 1, of the Convention. In 1998, it submitted the report which
comprised the following parts: (introduction, general measures of implementation,
general principles, civil rights and freedoms, family environment and alternative
2
2
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Childhood End - Decade (1990-2000)
care, basic public health and social welfare, education, training, leisure and
cultural activities and special protection measures). The preparation of the report
was in conformity with the reporting mechanisms adopted by the United Nations
Committee on the Rights of the Child.
In 2000, there was a supplementary report in response to the remarks and
inquiries coming from the High Commissioner of UNICEF, who requested
additional information about the basic report. Both basic and supplementary
reports were discussed on 19-1 2001 in Geneva.
In effect, the preparation for this report entailed certain measures that
required incessant efforts, especially gathering information and statistics. This
process includes the following steps:
1. Goals and indicators were prepared without a clear-cut mechanism or
method for information analysis.
2.
34.
Indicators were sent to the Commission without a lucid definition for the required
action.
The required indicators have become quite clear after the attendance at a
workshop in Lebanon within the period 3-8 Dec. 2000.
The arrival of two statistics experts contributed to the clarification of the picture.
On the whole, there are certain factors, that enabled Saudi Arabia fulfill the
requirements of the Convention in a distinguished manner. These factors inclued
constituents of child welfare endorsed in the Sixth Five- year Plan, including the
safeguard of Islamic values, defence of the faith and the homeland and making
basic education mandatory for all boys and girls, as well as the comprehensive
rights of the child in Islam in all aspects of life; such as social welfare and family
care.
As for basic health for the family and society, if we overview the statistics
and proportions according to time factor, we will notice a positive development in
eradicating certain diseases that threatened the life and development-in terms of
health and nutrition - of children since pregnancy period . For instance, (89%) of
population use various types of safe drinking water, and (94%) of population have
appropriate sanitary means of excreta disposal.
Moreover, the last infant mortality rate is 20 per 1000 live births in 2000,
and polio immunization coverage is, for example, (93%). This mammoth
development took place as the Saudi government provides basic maternal and
child health welfare, full vaccination against diseases, health education,
eradication of illiteracy and awareness in the areas of sound nutrition.
3
3
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Childhood End - Decade (1990-2000)
As far as education is concerned, making primary education mandatory and
free of charge represents an important and effective step in child welfare pursuant
to article (30) of the Basic System of Government. As a result, educational data
indicate that proportion of children who reach grade 5 of primary school is (99%).
This points out a considerable elimination of drop-out and failure problems.
The “ Educational policy in Saudi Arabia “ includes articles that achieved a
remarkable growth in the number of students . As for female illiteracy, the number
of schools increased from (3) schools in 1972 to (1954) schools in 1998.
As a result of the massive efforts exerted in the area of eradication of male
and female illiteracy, the total illiteracy rate was reduced to (19.47%). It is
expected that illiteracy will be totally eradicated by the year 2025.
As for the protection of the child’s privacy, article (40) of the Basic System
of Government lays emphasis on the family rights in general and those of the child
in particular through safeguarding the child’s privacy and protecting him from any
violation or interference. Moreover, it guarantees his safety, rights and means of
development and protection against economic exploitation.
In this respect, the Convention on the Rights on the Child is in harmony with the
Educational Policy in Saudi Arabia in terms of the child’s welfare and rehabilitation.
4
4
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
Indicators for Monitoring the World Summit for Children Goals
- 11
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
No.
1
Goal
Between 1990 and the year 2000, reduction of child
mortality rate between birth and exactly five years of
age, per 1000 live births.
 Indicator
1/1 : Under - five mortality rate :
Data related to under- five mortality rate show a remarkable reduction than
1950. The available data for the period (1973-1999) illustrate a considerable
reduction, as the last mortality rate for this category is 25 per 1000 live births
in 1999. In this respect, Saudi Arabia holds the fifth place with regard to under
- five child mortality rate among the Middle East and North Africa countries.
Total Under - five Mortality Rate
25
20
15
10
5
0
under 5
years
new-born
died while
(first month )
born
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Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
 Indicator 1/2
: Infant mortality rate :
The aforesaid data point out a reduction in infant mortality rate during the
same period, as the last infant mortality rate was 20 per 1000 live births in 1999 (1
)
.
No.
2
Goal
Between 1990 and the year 2000, reduction of maternal
mortality by half.
 Indicator 2/1 : Maternal mortality rate:
There was a comprehensive study lasted for three years in all parts of Saudi
Arabia during the period (August 1989-June 1992). It covered 880.248
pregnancies (850.000 live births) (2 ).
Pursuant to this study, the number of deaths was 155 women, namely 17.6 per
100.000 live births. The deaths were most frequently among women aged
more than 35 years, who live in a poor economic status or lack antenatal care.
The dominant cause of mortality was angiorrhagia (25%), pulmonary
embolism (16%) and colporrhexis (15%).
As antenatal care is improving, it is expected that MMR has decreased since
1993. As a result, the number of maternal dealth in 1997 was 20 per 270.000
live births ; i.e. 7-4 per 100.000 live births.
(1 ) Demographic Survey , 1999.
( ) Maternal Mortality Rate in Saudi Arabia (1993), College of Medicine, King Saud
University, Ministry of Health.
2
- 33
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
No.
3
Goal
Between 1990 and the year 2000, reduction of severe and
moderate malnutrition among under - five children by
half.
 Indicator 3/1 :
Underweight prevalence:
As for underweight prevalence, one of the studies that was applied to Saudi
society indicates that proportion of under-fives is (14.3%) below minus 2
standard deviation; and (2.8%) below minus 3 standard deviation. These
results come from a sample of of 7557 children.
 Indicator 3/2 :
Stunting prevalence:
As for stunting prevalence, the previous study reveals that proportion of under
- fives is (19.9%) below minus 2 standard deviation, and (6.8%) below minus
3 standard deviation.
Data indicate that international average of stunting is (39%), while regional
rate for the Middle East and North Africa is (25%) according to United
Nations Progress statistics for the year 2000.
 Indicator 3/3 :
Wasting prevalence:
As for wasting prevalence , the above-mentioned study reveals that proportion
of under - fives is (10.7%) below minus 2 standard deviation, and (2.2%)
below minus 3 standard deviation.
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Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
Standard
Deviation
% Stunting
Prevalence
% Wasting
Prevalence
% Underweight
Prevalence
-2
19.9
10.7
14.3
-3
6.8
2.2
2.8
Malnutrition Rates among under- five children
20
15
S.D(-2)
10
S.D(-3)
5
0
underweight
prevalence
- 55
wasting
prevalence
stunting
prevalence
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
No.
4
Goal
Universal access to safe drinking water
 Indicator 4/1 : Use of safe drinking water :
Data of health survey of the family for the year 1996 indicate that use of safe
drinking water is as follows :
-
(35%) of population get water supply from public tap.
-
(29%) of population get water supply through transporting water by tanks.
-
(8%) of population get water supply through wells (ground water).
-
(17%) of population get water supply through improved reservoirs.
-
(11%) of population get water supply through other ways.
This means that (89%) of population use various types of safe drinking water.
But data of demographic survey for the year 1999 indicate that (70%) of the
population get safe drinking water from public tap. We can notice the
difference in use of safe drinking water in the two studies, but the noted
increase has become twofold within a short time.
In fact, these proportions are high in comparison with data coming from
United Nations Progress statistics for the year 2000, as Saudi Arabia holds the
fourth place among the most 16 developed countries.
Use of Safe Drinking water
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
other way improved
reservoirs
wells
(ground
water)
- 66
tanks
Public Tap
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
No.
5
Goal
Universal access to sanitary means of excreta disposal
 Indicator 5/1 : Use
excreta disposal:
of
sanitary
means
of
Data of health survey of the family for the year 1996 illustrate the following
proportions :
Type of Sanitary Sewage
Flush sewage
Flushing tanks
Others
Pit latrines
Waste disposal
%
78
16
6
80
In fact, (94%) of population have appropriate sanitary means of excreta
disposal. This proportion is so high that Saudi Arabia comes in the second
place among the most developed countries (i.e. 16 countries) according to the
United Nations Progress statistics for the year 2000.
Use of Sanitary means of excreta disposal
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
waste disposal
others
- 77
flushing tanks
flush sewage
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
No.
6
Goal
Universal access to basic education and achievement of
primary education by at least 80 percent of primary
school - age children through formal schooling or nonformal education of comparable learning standard, with
emphasis on reducing the current disparities between
boys and girls.
 Indicator 6/1 : Children reaching grade 5 :
Educational data indicate that proportion of children who reach grade 5 of
primary school is (99%); i.e. 308832 out of 312179 students (boys and girls).
This is a strong indicator for pursuing primary education. This means that
drop-out and failure problems are considerably low.
Comparison of students entering first grade of
primary
313000
number of students
312179
312000
School who reach grade 5
311000
fir s t
gr ade
1995
310000
309000
308832
fifth
gr ade
1999
308000
307000
1999
1995
years
- 88
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
 Indicator 6/2 : Net primary school enrollment
ratio:
Data illustrate that there is a remarkable development in the enrollment during
the period 1990 - 1999 In 1990, enrollment was 1.487.395 students (boys and
girls). In 1999, it was 1.955.795 students, (boys and girls). In 1990, enrollment
ratio was approximately (86%). In 1999, enrollment ratio was approximately
(92.2%). This ratio seems rather low because the number of children aged 6-12
years is a hypothetical number based on the demographic statistics for the year
1992. This is because the number of students includes students older than 12
years owing to the elasticity of educational regulations, which provide
opportunities for more citizens to enter school. It should be noted that the
duration of primary level is 6 years.
Net Primary school Enrollment Ratio
age 6-12
all age
2500000
1955795
number of students
2000000
1618954
1487395
1500000
1111897
1000000
500000
0
1990
1999
- 99
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
 Indicator 6/3 : Net primary school attendance
rate:
On the whole, net primary school enrollment ratio is (99.495%). While net
primary school attendance rate is (99.23%) for grade 1, (99.00%) for grade 2,
(99.46%) for grade 3, (99.68%) for grade 4, (99.71%) for grade 5 and (99.8%)
for grade 6.
populaaton at elementary
age
enrolment 6-12
Net Primary school Attendance Rate
2500000
2121723
2000000
1730395
1618954
1500000
1111897
1000000
500000
1990
1999
0
1
2
yaers
- 1010
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
 Indicator 6/4 (Optional) : Proportion entering
school :
The number of students entering school in the school year 1999 is 328.426
students (boys and girls), while population aged 6 years is 453-844 children (3
)
; namely proportion entering school is (72.4%). The reason for this low
proportion is that the number of students (boys and girls) is a real number,
while the number of population is a hypothetical one based on a demographic
survey. This means that such proportion should be tackled with extreme
caution because numerator represents a real number and denominator
represents a hypothetical one.
 Indicator 6/5: Learning achievement:
As for learning achievement, this goal is concerned with estimates of primary
education through non-formal education, which is not applicable in Saudi
Arabia.
No.
7
Goal
Reduction of the adult illiteracy rate (the appropriate
age group to be determined in each country ) to at least
half its 1990 level , with emphasis an female literacy.
 Indicator 7/1 : Literacy rate :
In this respect, the “Educational Policy in Saudi Arabia”, which was laid down
in 1970, devotes a complete chapter, (i.e. chapter VII) which comprises 8
articles, for eradication of illiteracy and adult education.
To accentuate the country’s great concern about this aspect and to implement
this policy, the Royal Decree No. M/22 on 9-6-1392 A.H was issued to
approve Eradication of Illiteracy and Adult Education System in Saudi Arabia.
In this connection, Saudi Arabia’s massive efforts can be highlighted through
various educational institutions.
As for female literacy, the impelmenation of illiteracy eradication policy
started with opening 3 schools in 1972 and amounted to 1954 schools in 1998.
(3 ) Demographic survey for the year 1999.
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Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
In this regard , the General Presidency of Girls’ Education applies a literacy
program that lasts for 3 years. This program includes curricula concerned-plus
basic subjects - with experiences and skills required by mothers in their daily life
and which are relevant to the learners’ various needs and interests. Besides, the
General Presidency of Girls’ Education seeks, at the beginning of every school
year, to sensitize citizens; especially women, to the importance of literacy
programs, where illiterate mothers are invited to enter literacy schools and
continue study till graduation (4 ) .
The keen efforts exerted by the State in the area of eradication of male and
female illiteracy have led to the reduction of male illiteracy rate to (9.10%) in
1999, while it was (13.76%) in 1997; and female illiteracy rate to (29.85%) in
1999, while it was (34.33%) in 1997. Thereupon, total illiteracy rate has
become (19.47%), previously was (23.92%) . The number of illiterates aged
10-14 years was reduced from 27596 in 1993 to 9617 in 1999. It is expected
that illiteracy will be totally eradicated by the year 2025.
Fe male Lite racy Schools
1945
2000
1500
1000
500
3
0
1998
1972
(4 ) Annual Report of The General Presidency of Girls’ Education , 1418 A.H.
- 1212
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
Development of Population Literacy Rate
9000000
8477030
7000000
4000000
4846085
5000000
6826552
6000000
6645756
number of population
8000000
3000000
2000000
1000000
0
1993
1999
Number of population: 15 and more
Number of literates: 15 and more
Male / Female Illiteracy Rate
35.00%
30.00%
25.00%
20.00%
1420h
1417h
15.00%
10.00%
5.00%
0.00%
total
female
- 1313
male
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
No.
8
Goal
Provide improved protection of children in especially
difficult circumstances and tackle the root causes leading
to such situations.
 Indicator 8/1 : Total child disability rate (5
) :
As for proportion of children aged less than 15 years with some reported
physical or mental disability, the National Research on Child Disability in
Saudi Arabia from 1997 to 1999 indicates that the number of mental disability
is 539 representing (7.8%) of total child disability rate (i.e.6943); namely
(0.9%) of the whole sample (50530children). These cases have been diagnosed
and assorted according to Intelligence Quotient (IQ) as follows:
(29%)
simple mental disability.
(35%)
mild mental disability.
(36%)
severe mental disability.
29%
36%
simple mental
disability
mild mental
disability
severe mental
disability
35%
(5 ) National Research on Child Disability in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 1997 to 1999.
- 1414
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
As for the cases referred for accurate diagnosis , the results are as follows:
Cases
Numbers
%
Down’s Syndrome (Mongolism)
43
12.2
Hydrocephalus
19
5.4
Genetic blood diseases
16
4.5
Cerebrates
54
15.3
Previous brain operations
16
4.5
- 1515
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
As for motor disability, the result of diagnostic examination is as follows:
Type of Disability
Delayed motor development
Limp or paralysis
compels disability
quadriplegic
hemiplegia
diplegia
cerebral palsy
complex paralysis
myopathy
multiple diseases
- 1616
%
77
77
69
20
8.8
10
21.8
4.2
18.3
16.3
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
No.
9
Goal
Special attention to the health and nutrition of the
female child and to pregnant and lactating women.
 Indicator 9/1 : Under - five mortality rate female /male :
Statistics of Ministry of Health during the (6 ) period 1992-1996 indicate that
mortality rate is 21 per 1000 live births, and new - born infant mortality rate
(for the first month) is 12 per 1000 live births , while under - five mortality
rate is 29 per 1000 live births. In fact, three quarters (75%) of child mortality
occurs before reaching their first year, and (41%) of infant mortality occurs in
the first month. This means that 1:47 infants die before the first year and 1: 34
infants do not reach 5 years. This represents a reduction by (56%). Under-five
mortality rate was reduced from 64 to 29 per 1000 live births; namely
eradication by (54%). And new - born infant mortality rate was reduced by
(50%); i.e. from 24 to 12 per 1000 live births, and new - born infant (1-12
months) mortality rate was reduced by (50%); viz., from 24 to 10 per 1000 live
births. Reduction was in all parts of Saudi Arabia, but the highest reduction
was in urban and the most educated regions. During the period 1992-1996,
infant mortality rate was 28 per 1000 live births in rural regions, and 18 per
1000 live births in urban regions.
 Indicator 9/2 : Underweight prevalence (female
/male) :
In this respect, one of the studies applied to Saudi society indicates that
proportion of under-fives who fall below minus 2 standard deviation is
(14.3%), and (2.8%) below minus 3 standard deviation. These results come
from a sample of 7557 children.
 Indicator 9/3 : Antenatal care :
The health institutions in Saudi Arabia realize the importance of antenatal care
due to its impact on maternal and child health. In this context, statistics
indicate that (90%) of women who gave birth to one child or more during the
(6 ) The Manual of Final Seminar on the Health of Gulf family, 2000.
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Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
last three years got antenatal care, and (90%) of them were attended 4 times or
more by skilled health personnel.
- 1818
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
Type of Health Institution
Health Center
Government Hospital
Private Institutions
Others
- 1919
% of Attendance
47
35
15
3
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
Pregnants who get antenatal care
10%
90%
women got antenatal care
women did not get antenatal care
 Indicator 9/4 : HIV prevalence :
In this area, data are not available.
 Indicator 9/5 : Anemia :
In effect, there are no direct statistics about hemoglobin levels for pregnant
women, but the Saudi family survey points out some symptoms relevant to
anemia. The following table illustrates the symptoms for women aged 20-49
years:
Symptoms
Colporrhagia
Hypertension
Flatulence
Acute headache
Disorders
Abdominal Pains
Dispenea
Number of deliveries
Less than 20 years
5.3
5.9
7.0
15.6
2.2
15.1
20.7
358
- 2020
Age Category
20-34 years
5.7
4.6
9.0
14.6
0.9
14.0
30.3
4748
35-49 years
4.9
8.7
9.3
16.0
0.9
14.2
32.5
1569
Total
5.5
5.7
9.0
15.0
0.9
14.1
30.3
6665
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
No.
10
Goal
Access by all couples to information and services to
prevent pregnancies that are too early, too closely
spaced, too tale or too many.
 Indicator 10/1 : Contraceptive prevalence :
Statistical data (7 ) affirm that (32%) of married women use contraceptive
methods. The study indicates that married women know about contraceptive
methods as follows:
- (90%) know about contraceptive pills.
- (72%) know about the loop.
- Very few proportion knows about traditional methods.
(7 ) Demographic characteristics of population, Results of the Demographic Research, 1999.
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Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
 Indicator 10/2 : Fertility rate for women to
19 years :
Fertility rate of women aged 15-19 reduced from 212 to 61 live births per 1000
women during the period 1992 - 1996.
 Indicator 10/3
: Total fertility rate :
Total fertility rate for women aged 15 - 49 is 157 live births per 1000
women; and average cumulative fertility per woman aged 15-49 is 5.1 live births.
Average number of live births per woman who has reached the end of her child
bearing period is more than 8 between 1995 and the year 1997. Total fertility rate
is 5.7 live births at the dangerous period between 15-19 and 35-49 years (8 ) .
(8 ) The Manual of Final Seminar on Gulf Family Health.
- 2222
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
No.
11
Goal
Access by all pregnant women to pre- natal care, trained
attendants during childbirth and referral facilities for
high - risk pregnancies and obstetric emergencies.
 Indicator 11/1 : Antenatal care :
Data and studies reveal that (90%) of pregnant women got antenatal care
services. (9 ) The services rendered to pregnant women are as follows:
-
Immunization coverage against German measles (rubella) is (58.4%) and
against tetanus is (64.1%).
Proportion of mothers receiving vitamin A supplements and iron is (35.9%).
Proportion of women receiving antenatal care is (76.3%) .
These proportions seem very high in comparison with those countries which
do not render such health services. (10 )
(9 ) The National Research on Children Disability in Saudi Arabia During the period 19971999.
(10 ) United Nations Progress statistics for the year 2000, p. 16.
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Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
 Indicator 11/2 : Childbirth care :
Proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel is: (78.3%) by
doctors, (8.7%) by nurses and (13%) by midwives.
 Indicator 11/3 : Obstetric care :
As for obstetric care, data are not available.
No.
12
Goal
Reduction of the low birth weight (less than 2.5 kg ) rate
to less than 10 per cent.
 Indicator 12/1 : Birth weight below 2.5 Kg. :
Pursuant to government hospitals data for the year 1998, the number of live
births is 72787, those infants that weigh below 2.5 kg. are 2393. This means
that proportion of live births that weigh below 2.5 kg is 33 per 1000 live births
(i.e. 3.3%).
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Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
This proportion (3.3%) is a clear indication in terms of the effects exerted in
the area of child and maternal health welfare, as the goal is largely achieved.
No.
13
Goal
Reduction of iron deficiency anemia in women by one
third of the 1990 levels.
 Indicator 13/1 : Anemia :
In effect, there are no direct statistics about hemoglobin levels for pregnant
women, but the Saudi family survey points out some symptoms relevant to
anemia. The following table illustrates the symptoms for women aged 20-49
years.
Symptoms
Colporrhagia
Hypertension
Flatulence
Acute headache
Disorders
Abdominal Pains
Dispenea
Number of deliveries
No.
14
Less than 20 years
5.3
5.9
7.0
15.6
2.2
15.1
20.7
358
Age Category
20-34 years
5.7
4.6
9.0
14.6
0.9
14.0
30.3
4748
35-49 years
Total
4.9
8.7
9.3
16.0
0.9
14.2
32.5
1569
5.5
5.7
9.0
15.0
0.9
14.1
30.3
6665
Goal
Virtual elimination of iodine deficiency disorders
 Indicator 14/1 : Iodized salt consumption :
The ratio of iodine to salt is defined in all salt factories in Saudi Arabia, and
the same ratio is applied to the imported salt in conformity with the standard
specification No. 3/1/7 which provides that :
“ Iodine should be added to all types of salt in the form of potassium iodate
plus a fixative. The ratio should be not less than 70 ml. iodine to 1 kg. salt, but
not more than 100 ml. iodine to 1 kg. salt”.
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Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
Thereupon, all Saudi population consume adequately iodized salt in
accordance with interntnational health criteria.
 Indicator 14/2 : Low urinary iodine :
As for low urinary iodine, data are not available .
 Indicator 14/3 : Goiter in school children :
As for goiter in school children, data are not available.
No.
15
Goal
Virtual elimination of vitamin A deficiency and its
consequences, including blindness.
 Indicator 15/1 : Children receiving vitamin A
supplements .
 Indicator 15/2 : Mothers receiving vitamin A
supplements:
It should be noted that the applicable health system in Saudi Arabia provides
all needs of children without requesting any medical assistance from any
agency whatsoever, including UNICEF.
As for provision of vitamin A supplements, it is part of the health services
rendered to children, and because the vitamin A deficiency is meager, there are
neither clear signs nor statistics for deficiency rates.
 Indicator 15/3 : Low vitamin A :
As for low vitamin A , data are not available .
 Indicator 15/4 : Children with night blindness
:
As for children with night blindness, data are not available because data
coming from hospitals, major health centers as well as schools do not indicate
that night blindness exists.
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Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
 Indicator 15/5 : Night blindness in pregnant
women :
As for night blindness in pregnant women, data are not available.
No.
16
Goal
Empowerment of all women to breast-feed their children
exclusively for four to six months and to continue breastfeeding , with complementary food, well into the second
year.
 Indicator 16/1 : Exclusive breastfeeding rate
:
Proportion of infants less than 4 months of age who are exclusively breasted
is (31%). (11 ) (87%) of children born in the last three years have been breasted, and
(18%) of women breastfeed their infants one hour after delivery. As for nonlactating mothers, who constitute (13%), the reasons for rejecting breastfeeding
are as follows:
Reasons for Rejecting Breastfeeding
Breast milk rejected by infants.
Inadequate breast milk
Ill health of infants
Ill health of mothers
Breast and nipple problems
Others
%
30
29
14
10
4
13
Re asons for Rejecting Bre astfeeding
breas t and
nipple
problem s
4%
ill health of
mothers
10%
others
13%
breas t milk
rejected
30%
(11 ) Manual of Final Seminar on Gulf Family Health, 2000.
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Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
- 2828
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
 Indicator 16/2 : Timely complementary feeding
rate :
1- (13%) exclusive breastfeeding (4 months).
2- (60%) of infants 5-9 months of age receive complementary food (12 ).
3- (59%) of those (50%) who receive complementary food are children
12-15 months of age.
 Indicator 16/3 : Continued breastfeeding rate
:
(59%) of children 12-15 months of age continued breastfeeding, while (30%)
of children 20-23 months of age continued breastfeeding.
 Indicator 16/4 : Number of baby - friendly
facilities :
There is only one hospital designated as baby-friendly. There are 70 hospitals
undergo internal and external evaluations according to BFHI criteria in order
to be designated as baby-friendly hospitals.
No.
17

Goal
Growth promotion and its regular monitoring to be
institutionalized in all countries by the end of 1990s.
No indicators.
No.
18
Goal
Dissemination of knowledge and supporting services to
increase food production to ensure household food
security.
(12 ) Ibid.
- 2929
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)

No indicators.
- 3030
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
No.
19
Goal
Global eradication of poliomyelitis by the year 2000
 Indicator 19/1 : Polio cases :
In consequence of the concerted efforts exerted by the Saudi government in
the area of children’s immunization against certain diseases, it could eradicate
poliomyelitis by using necessary vaccines and enacting relevant regulations. In
this connection, the following table illustrates morbidity rate of poliomyelitis
in Saudi Arabia for some years : (13 )
years
%
1990
0.04
1991
0.01
1992
0.01
1993
0.01
1994
0.03
1995
0.03
1996
-
1997
-
Morbidity Rate of Poliomyelitis
0.04%
0.03%
0.02%
0.01%
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
0.00%
(13 ) Annual Report of Ministry of Health, 1998.
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Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
As for immunizations, the immunization coverage against poliomyelitis is as
follows :
Type of Immunization
Triple vaccine and polio (First Dose)
Triple vaccine and polio (First Dose)
Triple vaccine and polio (Second dose)
Triple vaccine and polio (Second Dose)
Triple vaccine and polio (Third dose)
Triple vaccine and polio (Third dose)
% coverage
95.1
93.7
94.5
93.3
94.3
92.9
Immunization coverage against poliomyelitis
year
1998
1999
1998
1999
1998
1999
1998
1999
95.50%
95.00%
94.50%
94.00%
93.50%
93.00%
92.50%
92.00%
91.50%
triple vaccine and
polio(third dos e)
triple vaccine and
polio(s e cond dos e
)
- 3232
triple vaccine and
polio(firs t dos e)
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
No.
20
Goal
Elimination of neonatal tetanus by 1995
 Indicator 20/1 : Neonatal tetanus cases :
Extended vaccination program is intended to eliminate many diseases, the
foremost of which is neonatal tetanus. In this regard, morbidity rate (14 ) shows
a constant reduction for 10 years, as morbidity rate was 0.1 per 1000 live
births in 1988 in comparison with that of 1997 which was 0.6 per 1000 live
births.
The following table illustrates morbidity rate per 1000 live births during the
period 1990 - 1997:
years
%
1990
0.09
1991
0.08
1992
0..08
1993
0.08
No.
1994
0.08
1995
0.06
rate per 100.000
1997
0.06
Goal
Te tanus Rate pe r100.000 Liv e Births
0.1
0.09
0.08
0.07
0.06
0.05
0.04
0.03
0.02
21
0.01
0
1996
0.06
tetanus rate
Reduction by 95 per cent in measles deaths and
reduction by 90 per cent of measles cases compared to
pre-immunization levels by 1995, as a major step to the
1990
1992 of1993
1994
global1991
eradication
measles
in the1995
longer 1996
run. 1997
years
(14 ) A nnual Report of Ministry of Health, 1998.
- 3333
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
 Indicator
measles :
21/1
:
Under
-
five
deaths
from
The State incorporated immunization against measles in extended vaccination
program which already includes, apart from measles, 8 other diseases. This
program is compelling to all live births and aims at eradicating such diseases.
The following table indicates morbidity rate of measles per 100.000
population, but data are not available about deaths from measles. (15 )
years
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1999
Rate
43.46
49.02
83.74
18.8
7.13
14.41
13.12
21.1
14.3
 Indicator 21/2 : Measles cases :
The above - mentioned table illustrates morbidity rate of measles during the
period 1990 - 1999.
Morbidity Rate or Measles
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
19
90
19
91
19
92
19
93
19
94
19
95
19
96
19
97
19
99
0
(15 ) Annual Report of Ministry of Health, 1998.
- 3434
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
No.
22
Goal
Maintenance of a high level of immunization coverage (at
least 90 per cent of children under one year of age by the
year 2000) against diphtheria,pertussis, tetanus, measles ,
poliomyelitis, tuberculosis and against tetanus for women of
child-bearing age.
 Indicator 22/1 : DPT immunization coverage :
DPT immunization coverage is (93%).
 Indicator 22/2 : Measles immunization coverage
:
In addition to universal coverage against measles (mumps measles and
German measles) and triple vaccine, the State made two campaigns to
immunize all school students. The Kingdom aims, through such campaigns, to
eradicate measles up to the hilt by the year 2000.
 Indicator 22.3 : Polio immunization coverage :
Polio immunization coverage was (93%).
 Indicator 22/4
coverage :
:
Tuberculosis
immunization
Tuberculosis immunization coverage is (92%) in 1999.
 Indicator 22/5 : Children protected against
neonatal tetanus :
Neonatal tetanus was totally eliminated since 1986. In fact, immunization
coverage against the diseases set forth in this goal is high compared to regional
rate (i.e.84%).
- 3535
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
1998
coverage against diseases through immunization
1999
100
91
.1
93
.2
91
.1
93
.2
91
.3
94
.3
92
.9
94
.5
93
.3
95
.1
93
.7
94
.6
91
.6
92
.5
94
.4
92
70
92
.3
91
.6
coverage rate
80
95
90
60
50
40
30
20
No.
23
parotitis
pertussis
types of immunization
measles
immunizatiom
pilio
immunization
3
rd
pilio
immunization
2
nd
3
rd pilio
immunization
1
st
2
nd
hepatitis
1
st
hepatitis
hepatitis
tuberculosis
immunization
0
german
measles
0
10
Goal
Reduction by 50 per cent in the deaths due to diarrhoea
in children under the age of five years and 25 per cent
reduction in the diarrhoea incidence rate .
 Indicator 23/1
diarrhoea :
:
Under
five
deaths
from
Satistical data indicate that deaths from diarrhoea were 0.57 per 100.000 live
births in 1999, while they were 1.64 in 1998 and were 4 per 100.000 live
births in 1997.
- 3636
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
 Indicator 23/2 : Diarrhoea cases :
Average annual number of episodes of diarrhoea per child under five years of
age is 2.2 according to data of 1999, while it was (46.8%) per child less than
one year of age and (53.2%) for children 1-5 years of age in 1998. In fact, the
number of episodes of diarrhoea in children under the age of five years is
205563 in 1998, a reduction by 21831 episodes than 1997; namely about
(10%).
 Indicator 23/3 : ORT use :
Proportion of ORT is (90%) according to data of 1999.
 Indicator 23/4 : Home management of diarrhoea
:
As for home management of diarrhoea, data are not available.
No.
24
Goal
Reduction by one third in the deaths due to acute
respiratory infections in children under five years.
 Indicator 24/1 :Under- five deaths from acute
respiratory infections:
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Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
Data are not available.
- 3838
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
 Indicator 24/2 : Care
respiratory infections :
seeking
for
acute
Official statistics reveal that morbidity rate of simple and acute respiratory
infections (ARI) in under - five children is (28%) for the year 1996 . As for
medical care, there is a study indicating that (80%) of children who had ARI
were taken to an appropriate health provider . This proportion is distributed as
follows: (71%) in government hospitals and (15%) in private hospitals. The
same study indicates that :
(86%) treated by medicines .
(84%) took cough medication.
(47%) took antibiotics.
(9%) took pills and other drugs .
(1.4%) took herbs.
(7%) others.
Medical care of children who had ARI
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
others
took herbs
took pills
and other
drugs
took
took cough treated by
antibiotics medication medicines
- 3939
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
No.
25
Goal
Elimination of guinea - worm disease (dracunculiasis) by
the year 2000.
 Indicator 25/1 :
Dracunculiasis cases :
There are no dracunculiasis cases in Saudi Arabia.
No.
26
Goal
Expansion of early childhood development activities,
including appropriate low - cost family - and community
- based interventions.
 Indicator 26/1 : Preschool development :
Data set forth in the following table indicates that proportion of children
aged 3-5 years who are attending early childhood development programs is
(53.7%) . (16 ) We may notice that enrollment ratios for male and female are quite
approximate. These ratios represent the beginning of real interest in these
programs, as Saudi Arabia is solicitous for implementing these programs in
appropriate environments full of conveniences.
Enrollment
Year
1990
1999
Sex
Total
male
Female
Total
Male
Female
Total
36576
19517
16958
103001
55629
47373
preschoo
l
program
s
33815
18162
15653
93481
50034
43447
other
program
s
2760
1455
1305
9520
5595
3925
Age
category
3-5
years
1001817
514820
486667
192902
595925
596966
General
Enrollment
Ratio
3.7
3.8
3.5
8.6
9.3
7.9
* Development of General Enrollment Ratio of children programs : 1990 - 1999.
- 4040
Index of
sex
Approximation
0.9
0.9
-
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
GER
Development of General Enrollment
Ratio in Early Childhood
Programs1990-1999
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
total
1990
female
male
years
 Indicator 26/2 : Underweight prevalence :
One of the studies applied to the Saudi society indicates that proportion of
under - fives who fall below minus 2 standard deviation is (14.3%) and below
minus 3 standard deviation is (2.8%). These results come from a sample of
7557 children.
 pathological indicator for studying AIDS :
AIDS does not constitute a pathological problem in Saudi Arabia, and so, data
are not available.

Additional indicators for monitoring children’s rights:
(16 ) Education for All, 2000 Assessment , The National Report of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- 4141
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
1-
Birth registration:
Pursuant to regulations and laws applicable in Saudi Arabia parents must
report birth to Births and Deaths Bureau by coming to the Bureau and register
all data about the new-born infant in conformity with maternity hospital
records within
15 days of delivery . In this respect, a penalty shall be imposesd on parents in
case of violation these regulations. Afterwards, parents will have an
appointment to receive a birth certificate provided that all basic immunizations
of the child are completed . A birth certificate is a prerequisite for entering
primary school. Thereupon, it is difficult to say that there are children whose
births are not registered in official records.
2-
Orphans:
The Saudi government gives special care to children in especially
circumstances, who need alternative care, such as parentless children, children
deprived of the care of one or both parents or relatives owing to death,
separation of parents, imprisonment or ill-health. Such children enjoy
comprehensive care by placing them in one of the appropriate social centers or
delivering them to one of the families who desires to take care of these
children as members of the family. These families are classified into :
- A fostering family concerned with caring for parentless children who
remain with such families sine die.
- An alternative family concerned with caring for other cases till the
child is 6 years of age, and afterthat he/she will be sent to one of the
social welfare centers.
These families are provided with monthly stipends as follows :
Sr. 1000 for under - Six children, and Sr. 1200 for children more than six
years of age. Moreover, a stipend of Sr. 2400 is given every school year
for over - six children who enter school. When the stay of children comes
to an end , the fostering family gets Sr. 5000 as a token gift in return for
their care for the child. The following table illustrates the number of
fostering and alternative families as well as the amounts given to them
during the years 1997/1998 :
Fiscal year
Number of Fostering &
- 4242
Paid amounts
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
1996/1997
1997/1998
3-
Alternative Families
2316
2616
26.996.203
31.402.800
Child labour:
Regulations and statutes applicable in Saudi Arabia prohibit all forms of
child labour in public institutions. Nevertheless, the nature of Saudi
society, which receives millions of pilgrims all over the world, make
some families exploit these circumstances and exceed the fixed period for
pilgrimage. Despite their illegitimate residence, they, as well as their
children, look for work.
Thereupon, they are not included in labour lists in Saudi Aarbia as they
usually remain for a short period of time.
4-
Malaria:
As far as malaria is concerned, morbidity rate is (2.6%) of all persons
examined in Saudi Aarabi in 1995. This rate varies from one region to
another and the highest was in Jizan (7.3%).
In fact, the number of episodes of malaria largely varied through the last
years, as it was 108.6 per 100.000 population in 1993, 57.1 in 1994 and
105 in 1995. In Jizan, the number of episodes of malaria was 1127.8 per
100.000 population in 1995, while in Assir it was 197.6 per 100.000 in
the same year. These two regions represent the highest morbidity rate in
all parts of Saudi Arabia.
As for persons who were examined, their number constantly increased: it
was 156.421 in 1980; 727.407 in 1995; 738.069 in 1995; and fairly
decreased to 681.887 in 1997. Nevertheless, morbidity rate of positive
cases decreased from 4.1% in 1980 to 2.6% in 1995.
It should be noted that environment and weather conditions, such as rainfall,
high temperature and humidity; especially in malaria-risk area like Jizan
- 4343
Report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia onChildhoodEnd - Decade (19902000)
region, have a great effect on the total number of episodes of malaria in Saudi
Arabia.
- 4444