Latest news with #AhmadAl-Awadhi
Kuwait Times
16 hours ago
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait to introduce gene therapy for teens with blood disorders
Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi announced on Friday that more than 40 successful stem cell transplant operations have been performed in Kuwait for children suffering from thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, noting that 'these procedures are increasing due to advanced medical efforts and ongoing government support.' In his opening speech at the First Pan Arab Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Conference, Dr Al-Awadhi also revealed that gene therapy for children over the age of 12 is under review in Kuwait as a promising treatment option for thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, and that it is expected to be available soon as part of the country's national health plans. 'This step will open new horizons for full recovery and improved quality of life,' he said, adding that it falls under a comprehensive national strategy aimed at easing the burden on patients and their families and enhancing their well-being. He expressed Kuwait's pride in its notable achievements in prevention, especially the premarital screening program, which has been implemented since 2009. He noted that more than 400,000 screenings have been conducted using the latest advanced diagnostic tools. In addition, a specialized genetic laboratory has been established to diagnose blood disorders using multiple modern genetic techniques, the latest of which is Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). He emphasized that the program's success was proven in a scientific study published in 2019, which showed a significant drop of over 50 percent in the number of cases at risk of transmitting hereditary blood diseases among engaged couples. This success has led to a noticeable decrease in new thalassemia cases diagnosed in newborns, children, and citizens in Kuwait. Consequently, the Ministry of Health decided to include residents in the premarital screening program. This resulted in a recently issued law mandating such screenings for residents prior to marriage. Dr Al-Awadhi stressed the ministry's strong commitment to enhancing services for these patients, including providing the latest internationally approved treatments for iron overload, a common complication from repeated blood transfusions. He reaffirmed the ministry's dedication to introducing the latest globally approved treatments that reduce dependence on blood transfusions by stimulating red blood cell production in patients. Dr Al-Awadhi concluded by stating that these diseases affect not only individuals' health but also impact families and society as a whole. 'We reaffirm our commitment to supporting every scientific or humanitarian initiative that helps raise awareness, improve patients' quality of life, and enhance efforts in early diagnosis and treatment,' he said. — KUNA
Arab Times
a day ago
- Health
- Arab Times
School Canteens Face Fines, Closures Under New Food Safety Rules
KUWAIT CITY, May 31: In confirmation of the report published by the daily last month regarding the imminent approval of school canteen regulations, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi has officially approved the regulations prepared by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) and endorsed by the Fatwa and Legislation Department. The decision will take effect upon its publication in the official gazette 'Kuwait Al-Youm'. The ministry explained that the adoption of these regulations is part of national efforts to protect students from unhealthy eating habits and to improve the quality of food offered in schools. The school canteen regulations serve as a comprehensive framework governing the operation of cafeterias in both public and private schools. These regulations outline specific requirements related to facilities, staff qualifications, and food standards, along with oversight and inspection mechanisms, as well as a licensing and accountability system to ensure the provision of safe and nutritious food within the school environment. The regulations classify school canteens into three main categories based on the type of service provided: canteens that sell only packaged foods, those that offer ready-to-eat meals, and those equipped with kitchens for preparing hot meals. The regulations require adherence to Gulf standard specifications and technical regulations, particularly the ban on trans fats. They also outline guidelines for organizing daily meals based on basic food groups and determining appropriate calorie intake for each educational level. In addition, the regulations ban foods that are high in fat, sugar, and sodium, especially in breakfast and lunch meals served in private schools. Violations of these regulations may result in fines ranging from KD 500 to KD 3,000, with the possibility of canteen closure in cases of repeated offenses.
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Arab Times
Over 40 stem cell transplants performed for children with blood disorders in Kuwait: Minister
KUWAIT CITY, May 31: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi announced that over 40 stem cell transplants have been successfully conducted in Kuwait for children suffering from thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, with the number expected to grow due to advanced medical capabilities and ongoing government support. Speaking at the opening of the first Arab Conference on Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness, Dr. Al-Awadhi highlighted Kuwait's significant progress in prevention, particularly through the premarital medical examination program launched in 2009. To date, more than 400,000 tests have been conducted using advanced diagnostic tools, including NGS technology, and a specialized genetic laboratory was established for blood disorder diagnosis. A 2019 scientific study confirmed the program's success, showing a 50% reduction in the risk of hereditary blood disease transmission among those intending to marry. This has led to a marked decline in new cases of thalassemia across all age groups in Kuwait. A new law now requires residents, in addition to citizens, to undergo premarital screening. Dr. Al-Awadhi emphasized the Ministry's commitment to improving patient care, including introducing treatments to manage iron overload from frequent transfusions and supporting alternatives that stimulate red blood cell production. He also announced ongoing efforts to introduce gene therapy for children over 12, with plans to include it in national treatment strategies soon. He stressed that thalassemia affects not only individual health but also families and society, reiterating support for initiatives that enhance awareness, early diagnosis, and quality of life. Conference chairperson Dr. Najat Rouh El-Din noted that the event is a collaboration between the Arab Forum for Thalassemia Societies, the World Thalassemia Organization, and the Kuwait Blood Association. It features over 49 speakers from 13 Arab countries, 10 specialized workshops, and sessions on diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. She highlighted the goal of building Arab cooperation, improving patient quality of life, strengthening prevention, and promoting early diagnosis through knowledge exchange, patient support, and unified health strategies. Dr. Maryam Al-Feely, hematology consultant at Al-Ahmadi Hospital and member of the Kuwait Society of Hematology, said the two-day conference includes activities for patients, medical staff, and the public to raise awareness. She credited the success of the event to the dedicated efforts of all involved and expressed hope for continued Arab collaboration in advancing care for blood disorder patients.
Kuwait Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait approves new regulations for school canteens
KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi has issued Decision No. 15 of 2025, officially approving a new set of school canteen regulations developed by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition. The move follows the endorsement of the Authority's Board of Directors and the Fatwa and Legislation Department, and the decision will come into effect upon its publication in the official gazette. The new decision comes nearly a year after the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition updated its regulations governing food allowed at school canteens. The regulations, issued under Ministerial Decision No 5 of 2021, allow only specific healthy foods while banning items such as processed meats, mayonnaise, caffeinated drinks, and high-salt or artificially colored products. In a statement released Thursday, the Ministry of Health emphasized that the updated regulations are part of Kuwait's broader national strategy to protect students from unhealthy dietary habits and to improve the quality of food provided in educational institutions. The aim is to create a supportive, health-conscious learning environment where student well-being is a top priority. The new framework applies to both public and private schools and outlines comprehensive standards covering facility requirements, staff qualifications, food quality, inspection protocols, licensing systems and accountability mechanisms. These provisions are designed to ensure the availability of nutritious and safe meals across all school settings. School canteens are now classified into three categories based on service type: Canteens selling only pre-packaged food items; canteens offering ready-made meals; and canteens with on-site kitchens for preparing hot meals. School canteen contractors must now meet stricter licensing criteria, including a minimum of two years of experience in food handling, possession of a valid health permit, and full compliance with safety and occupational health standards. Canteens are also required to adhere to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) technical regulations, particularly those banning trans fats. The guidelines mandate that daily meals include essential food groups and remain within set calorie limits for each school level. High-fat, high-sugar, and high-sodium foods, especially in breakfast and lunch offerings at private schools, are explicitly prohibited. The new rules standardize food services across all schools in Kuwait, aiming to promote health equity and improve regulatory oversight. Violators face financial penalties ranging from KD 500 to KD 3,000, with the possibility of suspension for repeat or unresolved breaches — highlighting the seriousness of implementation. The ministry noted that the regulations were developed through close coordination between the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition and the Ministries of Health and Education. This collaboration underscores the importance of institutional partnership in supporting student health and cultivating a safe, nourishing educational environment. — Agencies
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait to establish first skin bank and microscopic surgery lab
KUWAIT CITY, May 29: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi announced plans to establish Kuwait's first skin bank and a laboratory for microscopic surgeries. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency and provide comprehensive health services. The announcement was made during the opening of the Second Multidisciplinary Conference on Plastic Surgery, organized by the Al-Babtain Center for Burns and Plastic Surgery in cooperation with the Kuwaiti Surgeons Association. The speech was delivered by Dr. Abdullah Al-Fars, Assistant Undersecretary for Supportive Medical Services. Dr. Al-Awadhi highlighted the Al-Babtain Center's status as the country's only specialized facility for plastic and burn surgery and one of the region's leading centers. Last year, the center treated over 20,000 patients and performed nearly 1,200 advanced surgeries. The center has signed a memorandum of understanding with Harvard University for joint research and personnel exchanges to advance scientific research and evidence-based medical practices. It also supervises training for Kuwaiti Board doctors in plastic surgery, with the first graduates expected soon. The center pioneered advanced treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy and laser treatment. Dr. Mohammed Khalaf, Head of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department and Chairman of the Conference, said the event unites experts to share knowledge and improve patient care. The conference serves as a platform to present the latest innovations in plastic and reconstructive surgery with participation from local and international specialists. Dr. Ahmed Al-Ali, burn and plastic surgeon at the center, emphasized the urgency of establishing the skin bank to treat severe burns by storing donated skin from recent deaths. He noted the project will position Kuwait as a regional leader in burn treatment. Al-Ali also highlighted a joint research program between the Al-Babtain Center and Harvard University, including the visit of Professor Kavita Raghunathan from Harvard to Kuwait for complex surgeries. A broader memorandum of understanding with Harvard is in progress, led by Dr. Khalaf and Dr. Qutaiba Al-Kandari alongside the Kuwaiti Board of Plastic Surgeons.
