WHO awards 2025 Sabah Al-Ahmad Prize to China's Dr. Huali Wang and Kuwait's Kuwait's Geriatric Dept
GENEVA, May 24: The World Health Organization (WHO) has awarded the prestigious His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Prize for the Promotion of Healthy Ageing (2025) to Dr. Huali Wang of China and the Geriatric Healthcare Directorate at the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health.
The announcement was made during a special ceremony held at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva on the sidelines of the WHO's 78th World Health Assembly. The event was attended by Kuwaiti Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi, Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayen, Assistant Undersecretary for External Health Services Hisham Kelendar, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, as well as representatives from member states and international health officials.
Dr. Wang, Head of the Clinical Research Department and Director of the Dementia Care and Research Center in China, was recognized for her leading role in developing the country's national geriatric and Alzheimer's care plans. Her work has included the formation of 150 healthcare teams across 27 regions, implementation of early disease detection programs, and active involvement in health education and caregiver training in partnership with WHO.
Simultaneously, WHO commended the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health's Geriatric Directorate for its remarkable efforts in elderly care, highlighting the creation of a national strategy for elderly care (2024–2030). The initiative has led to a 40% improvement in services provided to the senior population in Kuwait.
Both recipients were selected following a thorough evaluation by an independent panel, according to WHO. The annual award, which honors outstanding contributions to the health and well-being of the elderly, was established by the State of Kuwait in 2004 in tribute to the humanitarian legacy of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
In his address to the assembly, Minister Al-Awadhi emphasized that the award reflects Kuwait's commitment to humanitarian values and its dedication to improving the quality of life for the elderly. He affirmed that elderly care in Kuwait is not merely a duty but a cultural value deeply rooted in the nation's identity.
Al-Awadhi also highlighted Kuwait's longstanding partnership with the WHO, dating back to 1960, and reaffirmed the country's ongoing support for global health initiatives. He praised WHO's leadership in addressing international health challenges and reiterated Kuwait's role as an active contributor to efforts that promote human dignity and well-being worldwide.
The Sabah Al-Ahmad Global Award stands as one of the pioneering international health recognitions, aimed at supporting vulnerable populations and advancing healthcare systems for the elderly around the world.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
7 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Makin Club organizes ‘Renewed Spirit' trip for cancer survivors
KUWAIT: In a humanitarian initiative aimed at boosting self-confidence and offering psychological and social support to cancer patients, the Makin Club, affiliated with the National Campaign for Cancer Awareness (CAN), organized a recreational trip to the Al-Khairan area on Monday, June 2, 2025, under the theme 'Renewed Spirit.' In her remarks, Dr Eman Al-Shammari, head of the Makin Club Committee, emphasized that the club's strategy focuses on empowering cancer survivors through recreational and social activities that uplift morale and strengthen their sense of belonging and self-worth. She noted that in 2020, Kuwait recorded 2,775 new cancer cases, of which approximately 1,665 patients had high survival rates. 'These individuals, known as survivors, are capable of playing a vital role in supporting newly diagnosed patients at the beginning of their treatment journey,' she said, highlighting that psychological support remains a cornerstone of recovery. As part of the program, Dr Nadia Al-Mahmoud led a lively Q&A session in a warm atmosphere that encouraged open dialogue and strengthened social bonds. The event concluded with the distribution of gifts to recovering women - an appreciative and symbolic gesture that lifted spirits and brought joy to all participants. Psychologist Nadia Al-Obaidi also took part in the event, delivering a heartfelt speech on the importance of mental health in the recovery journey. She stressed the need to create a safe and supportive environment that allows recovering patients to express themselves freely and overcome the emotional challenges that may follow treatment. Aisha Al-Qattan, a Makin Club member, expressed pride in being part of this meaningful initiative. 'We saw smiles light up the faces of survivors and felt a powerful energy of hope throughout the day. These trips go beyond entertainment - they are acts of love, support, and a belief in every woman's strength to rise above the odds,' she said. Participants warmly welcomed the initiative, sharing their appreciation for the positive energy, joy, and renewed sense of inclusion it brought into their lives. The Makin Club extended special thanks to Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah for sponsoring the club's launch, and to Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi for his continued support of the National Cancer Control Campaign's activities. This event is part of a series of initiatives organized by the Makin Club, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to provide psychological and social support to cancer patients and to improve their quality of life during and after treatment. The club also called on recovering individuals to reach out, benefit from its programs, and consider joining efforts to support new patients - promoting the spirit of solidarity that is deeply rooted in Kuwaiti society.
Kuwait Times
15 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Rare views of Al-Hala Island documented by Kuwaiti photographer
KUWAIT: Kuwaiti environmentalist and photographer Dr Abdullah Al-Zaidan has successfully observed and documented the rare natural phenomenon of Al-Hala Island, located in the southern part of Kuwaiti waters, specifically in the Al-Zour area. The island is a stunning and unusual natural feature. Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Tuesday, Al-Zaidan explained that Al-Hala is a temporary sandbar that emerges during low tide and completely disappears during high tide. Its unique nature makes it a favored destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. He added that the island's transformation is a key attraction, making it a prime spot for environmental marine tourism. Visitors are drawn to this nontraditional experience amid the clear waters of the Gulf, where they can engage with untouched nature far from pollution and urban development. Al-Hala Island Fish swim near the coral reefs in the waters surrounding Al-Hala Island. An endangered green turtle swims underwater at the island. Al-Zaidan emphasized that visiting Al-Hala Island helps raise environmental awareness and promotes sustainable tourism, which balances enjoyment with the preservation of natural ecosystems. Regarding the surrounding area, he noted that the Al-Zour coastline is ecologically significant due to minimal human activity and construction, making it a vital habitat. It hosts endangered green turtles, which come to nest and lay eggs during specific seasons, and it is home to vibrant coral reefs essential to marine biodiversity. The area also serves as a resting site for migratory and resident seabirds, which use the island as a natural stopover along the coast. Dr Al-Zaidan concluded by stressing the importance of protecting these fragile marine areas and encouraging mindful visits to help preserve marine life and ensure ecological balance for future generations. — KUNA
Arab Times
16 hours ago
- Arab Times
‘Eid prayer does not exempt people from Friday prayers'
KUWAIT CITY, June 4: The Assistant Undersecretary for the Fatwa and Sharia Research Sector at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has clarified the religious opinion regarding the Friday (Jumu'ah) prayer when Eid coincides with a Friday, reports Al-Seyassah daily. In an official statement, he explained that, according to the majority of Islamic jurists, performing the Eid prayer does not exempt Muslims from the obligation of attending the Friday prayer. The Friday prayer must still be performed at its designated time. Some jurists hold the view that those who have already performed the Eid prayer may forgo the Friday prayer and instead perform the regular Dhuhr prayer, based on reports that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did the same. If a person serves as an imam, he must lead the Friday prayer for those who attend the mosque. The Fatwa and Sharia Research Sector confirmed in a statement that the matter allows for flexibility, and both options are considered valid. Those who prefer ease may suffice with the Eid prayer and perform Dhuhr instead of Jumu'ah, while those who choose to observe both the Eid and Friday prayers out of caution are also acting correctly. Meanwhile, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Head of the Kuwaiti Hajj Mission Dr. Bader Al-Mutairi announced that all 8,000 Kuwaiti pilgrims, organized into 60 groups, have safely arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reports Al-Seyassah daily. In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Dr. Al-Mutairi confirmed that mission teams from various participating agencies are working tirelessly at the holy sites to ensure the highest levels of comfort, safety, and care for Kuwaiti pilgrims. He stated that preparations at Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah were completed well in advance, which reflects the mission's dedication to providing an organized and secure environment. Dr. Al-Mutairi urged all Kuwaiti pilgrims to strictly follow the instructions issued by the official Saudi authorities.
