Latest news with #Al-Awadhi
Kuwait Times
15 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
17 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
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait participates in the World Billiards Championship in Jeddah
JEDDAH, July 22: The 2025 World Billiards Championship officially kicked off in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking the city's second consecutive year hosting the prestigious event. The tournament features 128 players from over 40 countries—including Kuwait—vying for the title. Representing Kuwait are Bader Al-Awadhi, currently ranked seventh in the world, and Abdullah Al-Enezi, the top-ranked player in Kuwait. Additionally, Kuwait's Ahmed Al-Tatan and Mohammed Al-Hussainan are competing in the junior championship held alongside the main event. Al-Awadhi shared that his preparation for the championship has been rigorous, highlighted by an intensive training camp in Indonesia. He noted the tournament's high level of competition, given the participation of elite international players. 'I aim to achieve a result that reflects positively on Kuwait and demonstrates the progress we've made in the sport,' Al-Awadhi stated. He also expressed confidence in his ability to compete at the highest level, underscoring the professionalism and talent Kuwaiti players bring to the global stage.
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.
Arab Times
10-07-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait launches 'First Responder Fleet' to boost emergency medical services
KUWAIT CITY, July 10: The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Wednesday officially launched the 'First Responder Fleet' — a strategic initiative designed to strengthen the delivery of emergency medical services across Kuwait, particularly in critical situations and underserved areas. Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi inaugurated the project during a ceremony held in Kuwait City, describing the new fleet as a vital extension of the national health strategy aimed at bolstering medical preparedness and response times during emergencies. 'This project is not merely a logistical addition but a tangible embodiment of the state's commitment to enhancing its emergency healthcare infrastructure,' said Dr. Al-Awadhi. 'It reflects our national vision to protect lives and minimize health complications by improving rapid response capabilities.' The First Responder initiative is the result of strategic cooperation between the Ministry's Medical Emergency Department and the General Secretariat of Awqaf. It is designed to ensure swift access to life-saving care, including early resuscitation and first aid, particularly in remote or densely populated areas where response times are often critical. According to the Health Minister, the primary goal is to deploy trained personnel and resources quickly to the site of an incident to assess injuries, provide immediate care, and stabilize patients before they are transferred to a hospital. The fleet will also support field triage operations in the event of major incidents, helping determine the scale of response needed and facilitating effective coordination. The First Responder Fleet currently consists of 28 fully equipped vehicles, strategically distributed based on criteria such as population density, service coverage, and response priority. Al-Awadhi noted that these allocations will be regularly reviewed and updated to maintain optimal operational efficiency. Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Support Services Dr. Abdullah Al-Fars added that the vehicles are staffed by qualified emergency medical technicians and paramedics, all certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). Each vehicle is outfitted with resuscitation equipment, oxygen supplies, advanced respirators, intravenous fluids, essential medications, and devices to stabilize fractures and monitor vital signs. Dr. Al-Fars explained that the response process begins at the central operations room, where incoming emergency calls are assessed and the nearest First Responder vehicle is dispatched. Upon arrival, the team evaluates the situation, administers necessary care, and prepares a report for follow-up teams or hospital transfer. Representing the Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of Awqaf, Nasser Al-Khedr emphasized the Secretariat's ongoing commitment to collaborating with government agencies on developmental projects. He acknowledged the contributions of donors who have funded such community-serving initiatives through the Endowment Fund for Health Care, which supports projects in accordance with Islamic endowment principles and donor directives. Al-Khedr affirmed the Secretariat's readiness to continue supporting national efforts in enhancing Kuwait's healthcare services, particularly in ways that align with both modern needs and traditional values. The First Responder project marks a significant step in Kuwait's health sector development, reinforcing the country's ability to respond effectively and swiftly to medical emergencies, while upholding the principles of community care and strategic preparedness.
