Latest news with #AhmadAl-Awadhi
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait signs MoUs with leading French medical institutions in Paris
PARIS, July 19: In a significant step toward strengthening healthcare collaboration between Kuwait and France, Kuwaiti Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on Friday with five of France's foremost medical and health institutions. The agreements were signed in the French capital, Paris, and aim to bolster bilateral cooperation in various medical fields. Speaking in a joint statement to KUNA and Kuwait TV, Dr. Al-Awadhi described the move as "a new start" in implementing the vision of Kuwait's wise leadership, led by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to deepen collaboration with top-tier French medical institutions. He noted that the agreements mark 'a new phase' in Kuwait-France health relations, with a focus on improving medical services through knowledge exchange, training initiatives, and specialized scientific research. Highlighting the importance of the event, Dr. Al-Awadhi pointed out the presence of distinguished French doctors, experts, and academics at the signing ceremony, emphasizing that their involvement reflects the strategic nature of the partnerships and opens new horizons for practical collaboration across multiple healthcare domains. The MoUs encompass a broad range of medical specialties, including oncology, cardiology, and organ transplantation, among others. These collaborations are expected to enhance the capabilities of Kuwait's healthcare sector and ensure the highest quality of care for patients. Dr. Hisham Kalander, Assistant Undersecretary for External Health Services at the Ministry of Health, stated that the MoUs lay out several core objectives aimed at elevating the standard of medical care in Kuwait. These include providing specialized consultations from international experts, enabling patients to access cutting-edge treatments without the need to travel abroad. He further explained that the agreements will facilitate the launch of advanced training programs such as international fellowships and observation opportunities, which will enhance the expertise of national medical staff and align their skills with global standards. The MoUs also call for the hosting of visiting doctors to promote scientific and professional exchange. In addition, the agreements include the implementation of telemedicine services, offering access to global medical expertise remotely, and improving diagnostic capabilities through the use of advanced technologies in medical imaging and sample analysis. Dr. Kalander noted that the pacts also aim to develop Kuwait's medical referral system, ensuring patients are directed to specialized hospitals based on their needs. The agreements will also promote joint clinical research initiatives aimed at developing new therapies and improving existing treatment protocols. Kuwaiti Ambassador to France Abdullah Al-Shaheen described the signing of the MoUs as a testament to the strong and enduring bilateral ties between Kuwait and France, particularly in vital sectors like healthcare. He affirmed that these agreements are a direct result of the recent visit by His Highness the Amir to Paris, which gave a significant boost to relations across multiple domains. Ambassador Al-Shaheen highlighted that the partnerships represent a qualitative leap in medical cooperation, noting that the French institutions involved — Almviva Group, Curie Hospital, Foch Hospital, the Montessori Institute, and Rothschild Foundation Hospital — are internationally renowned for their excellence in both medical and academic fields. The signing ceremony took place at the Kuwaiti Embassy in Paris, with the attendance of Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, Ambassador Abdullah Al-Shaheen, Dr. Hisham Kalander, Head of the Kuwaiti Health Office in France Dr. Ali Al-Moussawi, and representatives of the participating French institutions.
Kuwait Times
12-07-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait unveils ‘First Responder' medical fleet
KUWAIT: Kuwait's Ministry of Health has officially launched its new First Responder fleet, a nationwide project aimed at delivering faster emergency medical care—especially during critical moments where rapid intervention can mean the difference between life and death. Unveiled on Wednesday, the project is a joint initiative between the ministry's Emergency Medical Department and the General Secretariat of Endowments. 'This is not just an operational upgrade or logistical support—it's a direct extension of our national health vision, which places a strong emphasis on medical readiness,' said Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi at the launch event. Designed to serve both remote and densely populated areas, the project aims to bring early resuscitation and immediate medical treatment to patients before they even reach the hospital. Dr Al-Awadhi explained that the goal is to 'enhance the speed and quality of emergency response across the country, protect lives, and reduce complications.' He added that the fleet of 28 specially equipped vehicles will be distributed strategically across Kuwait based on population density, service coverage, and response priorities. This setup, he said, will be 'continuously evaluated and updated to maintain the highest operational efficiency.' Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi honors Nasser Al-Khader, Director of the Endowment Projects Department at the General Secretariat of Endowments, for the secretariat's contribution to the fleet. Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi Each vehicle in the fleet is staffed by trained emergency technicians and paramedics who are required to pass both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) courses. According to Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Support Services Dr Abdullah Al-Faras, the vehicles come fully stocked with resuscitation equipment, oxygen tanks, advanced respiratory devices, IV fluids, essential emergency medications, and tools to stabilize fractures and spinal injuries. 'When a call is received by the central operations room, the nearest First Responder vehicle is dispatched,' Dr Al-Faras explained. 'The field teams then conduct an immediate assessment and send a report from the scene, followed by on-site care until backup arrives or the patient is transported to the hospital.' The project is funded through the Waqf Healthcare Fund, part of the General Secretariat of Endowments. Nasser Al-Khader, Director of the Endowment Projects Department at the General Secretariat of Endowments, speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General, praised the collaboration with government bodies to support national development goals. He highlighted the role of donors whose endowments continue to fund projects that serve the public good, saying, 'This initiative reflects our commitment to using Waqf resources in line with donors' wishes and Islamic legal guidelines.' — KUNA
Kuwait Times
11-07-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Health Ministry kicks off climate change awareness campaign
KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health, represented by its Health Promotion Department, launched a campaign on Thursday to raise awareness of the effects of climate change on people's health. The campaign, sponsored by Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi and held in cooperation with the Promenade Mall, aims to highlight the importance of protecting both the environment and public health from impacts of climate change. 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
Kuwait Times
10-07-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
MoH launches campaign to promote health amid climate change
KUWAIT: Kuwait Ministry of Health launched on Thursday a summer awareness campaign titled "Enhance Your Health with Climate Change" under the patronage of Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi and in collaboration with The Promenade Mall. The campaign aims to educate the public about the health impacts of climate change and promote environmental preservation and public health. Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Dr. Al-Munther Al-Hasawi emphasized that climate change is now a lived reality, with rising global temperatures. A national committee, including representatives from various state bodies, is working on policies to adapt to climate change and reduce its health effects, he added. Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Dr. Al-Munther Al-Hasawi Director of the Health Promotion Department Dr. Abeer Al-Baho explained that the campaign focuses on raising awareness about heat-related illnesses, air pollution, and their impact on health. It encourages healthy behaviors and highlights the link between environmental and human health through workshops, lectures, and interactive activities, Al-Baho said. The initiative also addresses broader health threats such as infectious and chronic diseases, and promotes eco-friendly practices and partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations to unify efforts against climate-related health issues. Representing Abdullah Al-Othman Endowment Adnan Al-Othman, which collaborated in the campaign through Promenade, stressed the importance of such initiatives in educating the public, especially youth and parents, about the strong connection between climate and health. He added that tackling climate change requires not just technical or environmental solutions, but also a strong focus on public education and engagement, particularly targeting youth to encourage sustainable practices and mitigate long-term health and developmental risks.
Arab Times
10-07-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
MoH launches 'Strengthen Your Health with Climate Change' campaign
KUWAIT CITY, July 10: The Ministry of Health (MoH) officially launched on Thursday a summer awareness campaign titled 'Strengthen Your Health with Climate Change,' aimed at educating the public about the health impacts of climate change and promoting environmental preservation. The campaign, held under the patronage of Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi and in cooperation with The Promenade Mall, will run throughout the summer. Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health, Dr. Munther Al-Hasawi, emphasized the tangible reality of climate change, marked by rising global temperatures and their implications on health. He noted the formation of a national committee that includes representatives from multiple state agencies tasked with developing policies to adapt to climate change and reduce its negative health effects. This committee also contributes to Kuwait's national health adaptation plan in partnership with the Environment Public Authority. Dr. Abeer Al-Bahou, Director of the Health Promotion Department, outlined the campaign's focus on raising awareness of heat-related illnesses, air pollution, and their impact on public health. The initiative includes workshops, lectures, and interactive activities designed to encourage healthy behaviors and highlight the crucial link between environmental conditions and human health. She stressed the importance of building resilient health systems capable of addressing climate change challenges while protecting both people and the environment. The campaign also covers broader health threats linked to climate shifts, such as the rise in infectious and chronic diseases, changing rainfall patterns, and the effects of rising sea levels on coastal communities. The Ministry continues to prioritize public education on protecting health from extreme heat and outdoor air pollution, including preventive measures against sunstroke. Adnan Al-Othman, representing the Abdullah Al-Othman Endowment, which supports the campaign through the Promenade collaboration, highlighted the vital role of public education in addressing climate change. He stressed that raising awareness, especially among youth and parents, is essential to promoting sustainable practices and mitigating long-term health and developmental risks. Al-Othman pointed out that effective climate action requires not only technical solutions but also widespread community engagement to foster behavior change. The Ministry of Health's campaign underscores Kuwait's commitment to safeguarding public health amid environmental challenges by uniting governmental efforts, private sector partnerships, and community involvement to face the evolving threats posed by climate change.
