Latest news with #Al-Awadhi
Kuwait Times
2 days 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
3 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.
Arab Times
27-05-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait's Blood Bank sees strong support with 90,000 donors in 2024: health minister
KUWAIT CITY, May 27: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi on Monday announced that the Kuwait Central Blood Bank (CBB) attracted over 90,000 donors in the past year, who contributed more than 190,000 blood products including platelets, plasma, and red blood cells. Dr. Al-Awadhi made the remarks during a ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Central Blood Bank, in conjunction with World Blood Donor Day, and a national event honoring donors for their vital contributions. He noted that the CBB also supplied approximately 150,000 blood units in 2024 to support healthcare for cancer and thalassemia patients, as well as those requiring emergency care across hospitals nationwide. Established in 1965, the Central Blood Bank was the region's first integrated national blood transfusion center. Dr. Al-Awadhi highlighted its pioneering role as a launch pad for a comprehensive institutional blood donation system in Kuwait and the wider region. He emphasized the Bank's longstanding commitment to international standards, noting that it was among the first in the region to receive accreditation from the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) in 1989. The CBB has also earned recognition from the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). 'These accreditations reflect our commitment to rigorous scientific and quality standards,' Dr. Al-Awadhi said. 'With advanced technologies in place, we've enhanced efficiency in blood utilization and ensured high-quality transfusion services that reduce waste and increase patient readiness.' He added that the Blood Bank and its branches have organized thousands of donation campaigns in recent years, engaging various sectors of society and fostering a national culture of voluntary donation. The minister reaffirmed the government's continued support for the blood donation system through ongoing infrastructure development, laboratory modernization, and training of national medical personnel to ensure sustainability, quality, and efficiency. Also speaking at the event, Dr. Reem Al-Radwan, Director of the Blood Transfusion Services Department at the Ministry of Health, reflected on the Blood Bank's crucial role during key moments in Kuwait's history, including its response during the Iraqi invasion and the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Al-Radwan said the CBB continues to organize strategic blood donation campaigns to maintain a safe and sustainable supply for hospitals. She also announced the launch of the Blood Bank's 60th Anniversary Campaign, aimed at reinforcing the life-saving importance of blood donation.
Arab Times
24-05-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
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.
Kuwait Times
14-05-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
MoH marks International Nurses Day under theme ‘Our Nurses, Our Future'
Outstanding nurses receive 'Ideal Nurse of the Year 2025' award KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Tuesday marked International Nurses Day, observed this year under the global slogan 'Our Nurses, Our Future: Caring for Nurses Boosts the Economy.' The celebration was held under the patronage and in the presence of Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi and MoH Undersecretary Dr Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi. In his address, Dr Al-Awadhi emphasized that observing International Nurses Day reflects the ministry's deep appreciation for the essential role nurses play in delivering healthcare and advancing the strategic objectives of Kuwait's health sector. He reiterated the ministry's commitment to enhancing the nursing profession through continuous training programs and professional support to ensure quality service delivery. Director of the Nursing Services Department at the MoH, Dr Eman Al-Awadhi, affirmed the ministry's dedication to promoting excellence and leadership in nursing. She highlighted the 'Ideal Nurse 2025' award, organized for the second consecutive year, as a key initiative aimed at fostering a culture of innovation, development, and professional empowerment within the nursing field. Minister of Health Dr Ahmed Al-Awadi Minister of Health attends the celebration marking the International Nurses Day.- KUNA photos Dr Al-Awadhi extended her gratitude to the Health Minister and the Undersecretary for their unwavering support of programs that invest in human capital. She also commended all nursing staff across Kuwait for their invaluable contribution to healthcare, describing them as a cornerstone of both patient recovery and the sustainability of health systems. 'A competent and empowered nursing workforce is vital to the success of any long-term healthcare strategy,' she stressed. The ceremony featured the honoring of outstanding nursing professionals from various healthcare institutions who received the 'Ideal Nurse of the Year 2025' award. The award drew broad participation from sectors including the Ministry of Defense, the National Guard, Al-Ahmadi Hospital of Kuwait Oil Company, private hospitals, and the Public Authority for the Affairs of the Disabled. This initiative, part of the ministry's broader strategy to foster a competitive and performance-driven environment, aims to raise healthcare efficiency and enhance patient and community satisfaction. The 2025 International Nurses Day theme underscores the pivotal role of nurse well-being in building resilient healthcare systems and driving economic progress through improved health outcomes. - KUNA
