Health Ministry kicks off climate change awareness campaign
Dr Munther Al-Hasawi, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health, told reporters after the launch that climate change is now a tangible reality, reflected by rising temperatures worldwide. 'Climate change has become a real phenomenon we are experiencing today with noticeable temperature increases across many countries,' he said.
KUWAIT: Officials pose for a photo during the launch of a climate change awareness campaign organized by the Kuwait health ministry in cooperation with the Promenade Mall. — KUNA photos
Al-Munther Al-Hasawi
Dr Abeer Al-Bahwa
Representatives from several Kuwaiti government bodies participate in the awareness campaign.
Al-Hasawi explained that the ministry has established a national committee on climate change, including representatives from various state entities. 'One of the committee's goals is to raise health awareness about the effects of climate change on health and assess the links between climate change and diseases, whether directly or indirectly.' The committee also develops policies to adapt to climate change and reduce its negative effects on human health. The Ministry of Health is actively involved in preparing a national health adaptation plan alongside the Environment Public Authority.
Dr Abeer Al-Bahwa, Director of the Health Promotion Department, said the campaign encourages healthy behaviors and raises awareness about the relationship between environment and health. She noted that the campaign includes workshops, lectures, and interactive activities designed to share knowledge and inspire positive change. 'This confirms the importance of addressing climate change as one of the biggest health threats worldwide and developing health systems that can adapt to this challenge while preserving the environment and human health,' she said.
Al-Bahwa added that the campaign also aims to increase public awareness of climate change's health effects, such as rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns affecting infectious and chronic diseases, and rising sea levels impacting coastal communities. She emphasized the ministry's ongoing efforts to educate people about the dangers of extreme heat, sunstroke, and outdoor air pollution.
Adnan Al-Othman, a member of the Custodians Committee named after the late Abdullah Al-Othman, highlighted the committee's role in collaborating with the Health Promotion Department. He said the campaign seeks 'to shed light on the direct relationship between climate changes and public health and to boost community awareness about healthy and environmentally sound behaviors.'
Al-Othman stressed the importance of awareness campaigns in tackling climate risks and their effects on human and community health. He pointed out that environmental and health education is one of the best ways to reduce the phenomenon by delivering simple, clear messages about prevention and adaptation. 'Raising awareness about climate risks and adopting sustainable practices form the first line of defense, especially if targeted at youth and teenagers, linking this awareness with relevant behavioral and social causes,' he explained. The campaign will run throughout the summer, aiming to mobilize the community around health and environmental challenges posed by climate change. — KUNA
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