Latest news with #non-Kuwaitis
Kuwait Times
18-05-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
CAN highlights importance of early cancer detection
KUWAIT: Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen, board member of the Cancer Awareness Nation (CAN) campaign and a member of the Haidu CAN team, underscored the vital role of early detection in increasing cancer recovery rates and the importance of lifestyle changes in reducing disease incidence. She emphasized that adopting a fiber-rich diet, exercising regularly, abstaining from smoking and alcohol and undergoing periodic screenings—especially for individuals over the age of 45 or with a family history of cancer—are key preventive measures. Dr Al-Shaheen noted that, according to the latest official statistics, Kuwait recorded a total of 2,775 cancer cases, including 1,478 among Kuwaitis and 1,297 among non-Kuwaitis. Her remarks came on the sidelines of a friendly basketball match jointly organized by the CAN campaign and Makin Club for cancer survivors, held as part of the colon cancer awareness initiative under the slogan 'Your Health is Your Decision.' She praised the collaboration between CAN and Makin Club, highlighting the significance of engaging cancer survivors in awareness efforts and community activities. The match brought together a team of female survivors and a group of supportive volunteers at the Girls' Sports Club, symbolizing resilience and recovery. The spirited game concluded with the survivor team clinching victory with a score of 21-18. The event was officiated by referees from the Kuwait Basketball Federation and took place in a warm atmosphere of pride and encouragement. Dr Hussa Al-Shaheen Participants take a group photo during the Cancer Awareness Nation campaign. Psychologist Nadia Al-Obaidi, a member of Makin Club, emphasized the importance of psychological support for cancer survivors. 'Through group therapy sessions, I have observed that family attitudes and the surrounding environment significantly affect patients. Positive support can empower survivors, while negative reactions may hinder their recovery. This underscores the crucial role of mental health professionals in the recovery journey,' she stated. Dr Zeinab Al-Musailikh, President of the Kuwait Soroptimist Society for Community Development, highlighted the Society's participation in the CAN campaign for the second consecutive year. She affirmed the Society's commitment to promoting early detection, supporting survivors, and advancing women's empowerment across sectors including health, education, and the economy. The winning team was honored in the presence of Samia Al-Mukaimi, Vice Chairperson of the Girls' Sports Club, amid applause and appreciation from attendees. The audience lauded the event's powerful message of hope and solidarity, emphasizing that such initiatives not only raise awareness but also foster unity and support among survivors and the broader community. CAN officials affirmed their continued dedication to organizing initiatives that promote cancer awareness and inspire hope in the hearts of those affected.
Kuwait Times
15-05-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Experts warn of risk factors as colon cancer on the rise
Experts warn of risk factors as colon cancer on the rise KUWAIT: Colorectal cancer has become one of the leading types of cancer in Kuwait, now ranking first among men and second among women, according to recent data from the Kuwait Cancer Control Center. Speaking at the launch of the the Cancer Aware Nation's (CAN) Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaign Dr Khalid Ahmad Al-Saleh, Chairman of CAN's Board, warned that lifestyle choices, particularly diet and physical inactivity, are contributing significantly to this alarming trend. Dr Al-Saleh pointed out a troubling shift in cancer cases: 'Back in 1981–1982, colorectal cancer was ranked 8th in prevalence. Today, it ranks first among men and second among women in Kuwait.' He referenced data from the Kuwait Cancer Control Center, which reported 2,775 new cancer cases in 2020. Among these, there were 289 cases of colorectal cancer in Kuwaitis, and 120 cases in non-Kuwaitis (66 in men and 54 in women). A notable finding, he said, is the disproportionate rate of colorectal cancer among Kuwaiti men - 90 cases - despite non-Kuwaitis making up three times the population. 'This suggests there may be a problem with dietary habits among Kuwaitis. One major issue is the widespread consumption of fast food, which is ordered in large quantities every day,' he explained. He further stressed that cancer is a chronic disease, meaning the choices people make today - especially around food - can affect their health decades later. Dr Alnoud Al-Sumait highlighted the critical role of early detection. 'Colorectal cancer often develops silently, but with early screening, lives can be saved.' She explained that the disease involves abnormal cell growth and progresses very slowly, typically over 10 to 20 years. Both environmental and genetic factors contribute to its development, and it can often be cured if caught early. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. Dr Al-Sumait identified both uncontrollable and controllable risk factors. While age, family history, and chronic intestinal diseases cannot be changed, modifiable risks include poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking and obesity. She warned about foods that raise the risk of colorectal cancer, especially processed meats, red meat and ultra-processed foods. These include fizzy drinks, instant soups, sweets, biscuits, colored breakfast cereals, and flavored yogurts - products typically high in fat and low in fiber. She explained that red meat contains heme iron, which can damage the colon lining and promote the formation of harmful compounds like N-nitroso, known to increase the risk of DNA mutations. Processed meats carry similar risks. In terms of prevention, Dr Al-Sumait recommended the following: Consume 25–35 grams of fiber daily; limit red meat intake to 500 grams per week; avoid processed meats; use healthy cooking methods; engage in regular physical activity; quit smoking; and undergo routine medical check-ups. Dr Al-Saleh emphasized that raising awareness requires patience and determination. 'Unfortunately, awareness is progressing slowly - not only in Kuwait but across many parts of the world, where there is still more focus on treatment than prevention,' he noted. To reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, doctors recommend: •A diet rich in fiber (25–35 grams daily) •Limiting red meat to 500 grams per week •Avoiding processed meats entirely •Regular physical activity •Quitting smoking •Periodic screenings. Factbox
Arab Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
With 5 Million People, Expatriates Make 70% Of Kuwait's Population
KUWAIT CITY, May 14: Kuwait, a small but wealthy nation in the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its striking blend of modern architecture and vast desert landscapes. With a population nearing 5 million, it ranks as the 128th largest country globally. The nation's economy is heavily reliant on oil, though its financial sector has also shown promising growth in recent years. Recent data from the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) reveals that expatriates continue to dominate Kuwait's demographic composition. As of December 2024, the population stood at 4,987,826, with non-Kuwaitis making up a significant 68.6%, or 3,419,843 people. Of these expatriates, Indians form the largest group, numbering over 1 million, followed by Egyptians at 657,280. Together, these two nationalities account for nearly half of all foreign residents. The Indian community, the largest foreign group in the country, comprises 21% of the total population and 29% of the expatriate population. Egyptians, the second-largest group, have increased by 2% year-on-year, reflecting steady migration from the region. Kuwaiti nationals number 1,567,983, making up about 32% of the population. The employment landscape in Kuwait reveals a clear divide between nationals and expatriates. Kuwaitis dominate the public sector, accounting for 78% of the workforce, but their presence in the private sector is minimal, comprising just 4%. Conversely, expatriates make up the vast majority of the private sector workforce, with non-Kuwaitis filling 96% of private sector jobs. In total, expatriate workers number 2.56 million, far outnumbering the 540,878 working Kuwaitis. A particularly notable statistic is the 780,930 domestic workers, emphasizing Kuwait's heavy reliance on foreign labor for household services. Kuwait's household composition also reflects this divide. The average Kuwaiti family consists of seven members, while expatriate families average only two members per household. This difference is further mirrored in birth rates: Kuwaitis have 21 births per 1,000 people, while the rate for non-Kuwaitis is just 4 per 1,000. In terms of occupation, Kuwaitis typically hold roles in government, education, and executive positions, whereas expatriates dominate the domestic labor sector and perform manual labor or low-wage services, such as driving, cleaning, and working in restaurants. Gender demographics in Kuwait show that while Kuwaiti women slightly outnumber men (794,923 to 773,060), men make up 61% of the total population. This skew is primarily due to the male-heavy expatriate workforce. Overall, Kuwait's population dynamics reveal the central role expatriates play in the country's workforce and societal structure, with Kuwaitis primarily engaged in government roles and expatriates filling critical positions in labor-intensive industries.
Kuwait News Agency
11-05-2025
- General
- Kuwait News Agency
PACI launches civil IDs address change on Sahel app. for non-Kuwaitis
KUWAIT, May 11 (KUNA) -- The Public Authority for Civil Identification (PACI) launched on Sunday a service allowing non-Kuwaitis to change the address on their civil IDs on the unified government e-services application (Sahel). (end)
Arab Times
08-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwaitis make up 31% of population
KUWAIT CITY, May 8: Statistics issued by the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) reveal that the number of Kuwaiti citizens reached 1,567,983 as of the end of December 2024, and the number of non-Kuwaitis totaled 3,419,843. This brings the overall population of Kuwait to 4,987,826, reports Al-Seyassah daily. Kuwaitis made up 31 percent of the total population with 773,060 Kuwaiti males and 794,923 females. The number of non-Kuwaiti males was 2,259,690, and non-Kuwaiti females 1,160,153. In terms of employment, 78 percent of government workers were Kuwaiti, compared to 22 percent expatriates. In the private sector, Kuwaitis do not exceed four percent, while non-Kuwaitis make up 96 percent. The total number of expatriate workers was 2,560,252, compared to 540,878 Kuwaiti workers. The number of domestic workers reached 780,930. The statistics revealed that the average Kuwaiti family consists of seven members, compared to an average of just two members in expatriate families. The birth rate per thousand population is 21 for Kuwaitis and 4 for non-Kuwaitis. The Indian community ranked first among foreign nationalities in terms of population, followed by Egyptians, Bangladeshis, Filipinos, Syrians, Sri Lankans, Saudis, Nepalese, Pakistanis, and Jordanians, respectively.
