Latest news with #KuwaitiMinistryofHealth
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.
Arab Times
23-04-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Immunization programs remain a cornerstone of public health in Kuwait: MoH
KUWAIT CITY, April 23: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health (MoH) reaffirmed on Tuesday its ongoing commitment to strengthening national immunization programs, describing them as one of the key pillars of public health and a major medical achievement that has played a crucial role in protecting communities from infectious diseases. This comes as part of the country's long-term vision for a sustainable and healthier future. In a statement, the Ministry emphasized that this commitment aligns with global efforts highlighted during World Immunization Week 2025, underscoring the importance of vaccination as a vital tool for disease prevention and for enhancing the overall health of individuals and communities. Since the inception of the National Immunization Program, the Ministry noted its dedication to implementing the latest health policies grounded in scientific evidence and in accordance with internationally approved recommendations. These policies are continuously reviewed through specialized national scientific committees composed of leading medical and technical experts. The Ministry explained that vaccination schedules are regularly updated to reflect both local and global epidemiological developments, as well as the latest research, ensuring the continued protection of the community and improved health prevention measures. The Ministry also highlighted its ongoing monitoring of the epidemiological situation both locally and internationally. Proactive measures based on accurate, real-time data have enabled Kuwait to achieve significant milestones in fighting infectious diseases. These include the complete eradication of polio—no local cases have been recorded since 1986—and Kuwait's active contribution to global efforts to eliminate smallpox. As a result of these immunization efforts, Kuwait has seen a notable decline in the incidence of several infectious diseases. For instance, the incidence of measles dropped to 0.08 and 0.14 per 100,000 people in 2023 and 2024, respectively, with all reported cases originating from outside the country. Furthermore, no cases of rubella were recorded in 2023, and only one case was reported in 2024. The introduction of effective vaccines into the national immunization schedule has also led to a marked decrease in the rates of mumps, rotavirus, pneumonia, and meningitis. The Ministry credited these successes to the consistent implementation of best international medical practices, the strengthening of primary healthcare services, investment in the training of medical and technical staff, and awareness campaigns that have raised public understanding of vaccination as a primary means of disease prevention. Additionally, the Ministry stressed its continued adoption of modern scientific advancements in vaccine development and its ongoing review of global research to ensure the use of the most advanced, safe, and effective vaccines. This approach aims to reinforce the national immunization system and broaden the scope of public health protection. The Ministry concluded by noting that these accomplishments are part of Kuwait's comprehensive national vision to improve public health. It reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing efforts aimed at building a healthier, safer, and more prosperous society, in line with the goals of sustainable development and the "New Kuwait 2035" vision.
Jordan News
18-03-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
Kuwait's Ministry of Interior Clarifies the "Ban" on Wearing Niqab While Driving - Jordan News
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior issued a statement in response to circulating news on social media about a supposed ban on women wearing the niqab or burqa while driving, deeming it a violation. اضافة اعلان The ministry clarified that "the information circulating on some social media platforms about the violation of wearing the niqab or burqa while driving is related to an old ministerial decision issued in 1984, and it is not an active law." The Ministry of Interior explained that "the decision was made at the time for security reasons, as some women driving vehicles on public roads wore the niqab or burqa, which made it difficult to distinguish the driver's features. It also put security personnel in a difficult position when verifying the driver's identity, especially since some women refused to uncover their faces despite the presence of their photo on the driver's license." The ministry further emphasized that "with the presence of female police officers today, verifying the identity of female drivers is now easy and without any complications." In a separate issue, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health denied circulating rumors on social media about the cancellation of gender separation in the provision of health services. According to a statement posted on the ministry's official account on social media platform "X," the ministry confirmed that its approach to providing services in its health institutions has not changed.
