The Jazan region is one of the most populous regions of the Kingdom, where nearly a million and a half people live on an estimated area of 16000 km2. Jazan varies considerably in geography, ranging from high mountains in the east, to the coasts bordering the Red Sea and extended to the island of Farasan in the west through the fertile valleys of Tehama's plains filled with a large inventory of groundwater. As in the open coastal areas; and because of its proximity to the southern boundary of the Kingdom, the region has a distinct demographic composition mixed with the social customs. These factors have contributed to the emergence of numerous health problems. The published health statistics from the region showed high rates of morbidity and mortality. Various reports have reflected that there is an urgent need for reforms in the health field.
It is worth mentioning that Jazan has one of the highest prevalence rates of hereditary blood diseases, such as Sickle Cell Anemia and Thalasemia, in addition to the expected epidemiological burden comprising of conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular conditions, various types of cancer, eye problems and infertility, to mention a few. The widespread of unhealthy behavior, in turn, directly affect the public health both physically and psychologically, which requires the establishment of an advanced center for medical research entitled the Jazan University's Medical Research Center in order to effectively assist in the diagnosis and treatment.
The establishment of a medical research center in Jazan region is a strategic move aimed at solving these health problems as it would be a center of excellence and, academically speaking, a significant achievement for the University. Taking into account the abundant avenues of research and the features that are available in the region compared to other regions of the Kingdom and even in many parts of the world.
The design of the Medical Research Center (MRC) includes many laboratories and animal houses for scientific experiments, as well as conference room and several small rooms for seminars and workshops.
The Medical Research Center (MRC) aims to do extensive research in general, and endemic tropical research, particularly, in Jazan. The early diagnosis and detection and subsequent containment and prevention of any epidemics will take place in a specialized unit (Research Unit of Endemic and Tropical diseases). The Center conducts basic medical research including animal experiments, laboratory research, the use of technology of molecular biology and genetics, and nanotechnology in the Biomedical Research Unit. The Clinical Research Unit monitors and investigates the signs and symptoms of diseases and runs clinical research and analysis. The Epidemiology and Biostatistics Research Unit conducts field research, statistical analysis and planning for the preventive and therapeutic measures.