Latest news with #AhmadAl-Awadhi
Kuwait Times
18 hours ago
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait MoH launches 10th blood donation campaign on 35th invasion anniversary
KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi on Thursday launched the 10th edition of the annual national blood donation campaign, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the brutal Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Speaking at the launch, Al-Awadhi said the three-days campaign honors the sacrifices of Kuwait's martyrs and reflects national unity across government, military, and civil society sectors. He urged citizens and residents to donate blood at all Ministry of Health centers, including the Central Blood Bank in Jabriya, noting that over 100 blood bags were collected in the first two hours of the campaign. Assistant Director General of the General Directorate of Security Relations and Media at the Ministry of Interior, Colonel Yousef Mirshed affirmed the ministry's continued support for such initiatives, emphasizing their humanitarian and social dimensions alongside security duties. Director of Blood Transfusion Services Dr. Reem Al-Roudhan said the campaign has been running for a decade to promote voluntary donation and save lives. Last year, about 95,000 units were collected, with a 4 percent annual increase. She pointed to the effective participation of the military corps, represented by the Ministries of Defense, Interior and the National Guard, in addition to civil society institutions and private sectors. — KUNA
Arab Times
20 hours ago
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait launches 10th national blood donation campaign to honor martyrs, promote unity
KUWAIT CITY, July 31: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi on Thursday launched the 10th edition of the national blood donation campaign titled 'Together Forever, a Wall for the Homeland,' marking the 35th anniversary of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. The three-day campaign honors the memory of Kuwait's martyrs and aims to strengthen national unity across government, military, and civil society sectors. In a statement at the launch, Dr. Al-Awadhi described the campaign as a message of loyalty and gratitude to those who gave their lives for the nation. He emphasized that donating blood is both a humanitarian duty and a symbol of national solidarity, encouraging citizens and residents to donate at the Central Blood Bank in Jabriya and other Ministry of Health facilities across the country. 'Donating a drop of blood saves a life,' the minister said, revealing that over 100 blood bags were collected within the first two hours of the campaign—an unprecedented turnout. He also expressed appreciation for the early participation of military personnel, underlining the significance of their involvement. Dr. Al-Awadhi noted that the ministry currently holds a stock of around 32,000 units of blood and platelets, with the goal of expanding reserves through regular national campaigns. The Ministry of Interior reiterated its support through the participation of its staff across all sectors. Colonel Yousef Mirshed, Assistant Director General for Security Relations and Media, said the campaign reflects the ministry's commitment to both security and humanitarian roles. 'This initiative comes in remembrance of our martyrs and highlights our responsibility to serve society beyond the security field,' he said. Colonel Mirshed added that the ministry's contribution reinforces the culture of voluntary blood donation, which is essential for saving lives and upholding noble humanitarian values. Director of Blood Transfusion Services, Dr. Reem Al-Roudhan, said the campaign—now in its 10th year—aims to foster a culture of voluntary blood donation while supporting the country's strategic blood reserves. She praised the consistent involvement of the Ministries of Defense, Interior, and National Guard, as well as civil society and private sector institutions. Dr. Al-Roudhan emphasized that the campaign is part of broader year-round efforts to raise public awareness, promote community partnership, and highlight the life-saving importance of blood donation. She recalled that the ninth edition of the campaign collected 500 blood bags in one day and expects similar outcomes this year. Last year alone, approximately 95,000 units of blood were collected, showing an annual increase of 4 percent. The campaign will continue until August 2 and serves as a national call for altruism, unity, and support for Kuwait's healthcare system.
Arab Times
19-07-2025
- 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
