Will Yemen get rid of qat? [Archives:2002/15/Local News]

Qat may aggravate disturbances (hallucination), induce aggressive behavior in psychotic patients, said researchers during the National Conference on Qat which took place at the Police Officers Club in Sanaa between April 6-7.
They added it could cause elevation of trial blood pressure, affect the liver, probably as a result of pesticides leading to toxic damage of the liver, be associated with increased risk of low birth weight in infants of qat chewing pregnant women, etc.
The conference also dealt with the qat impact on society, agriculture and water resources.
To help the country get rid of qat the participants recommended increasing taxes on qat, teaching children at schools about its hazards as well as employing the mass media in the qat-fighting campaign.
The also urged upon the government to set up sport clubs, recreation facilities, public libraries, gardens and parks for youths to spend their time.
The conference aimed at enhancing the public awareness about qat dangers and effects on humans, society and economy as well as setting up a clear governmental strategic view on how to gradually get rid of qats negative effects.
The Prime Minister, Mr. Abu Alqader Ba Jammal and a number of ministers diplomats, ambassadors, attended the event.

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