Ministry of Health prioritizes prevention of seasonal diseases

• Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad emphasized that the Ministry of Health’s efforts are aimed at protecting all segments of society and ensuring the health and safety of both citizens and residents.

• Seasonal microbes, including bacteria and viruses, vary by season, becoming more active and widespread at certain times.

• The flu virus infects one billion people and causes half a million deaths globally each year. In Kuwait, over one million doses of the four-strain flu vaccine have been administered recently.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Health, announced on the ministry’s social media accounts the launch of the seasonal winter vaccination campaign for the ninth consecutive year, according to Al Jarida newspaper.

Al-Sanad noted that seasonal microbes, which include bacteria and viruses, vary in concentration and type with the changing seasons. These microbes differ from those present year-round as they become more active and widespread in specific seasons, making prevention and response essential.

Al-Sanad provided examples of seasonal microbes and diseases, noting the spread of influenza, bacterial pneumonia, and colds during winter, while cases of food poisoning due to Salmonella bacteria rise in summer.

He added that the influenza virus infects about one billion people globally each year, with the most vulnerable groups being children under five and the elderly over 65. This virus also causes approximately half a million deaths annually worldwide.

Regarding pneumococcal bacteria, he highlighted its dangers, as these bacteria cause various diseases, including pneumonia, bacterial meningitis, bacterial septicemia, and even otitis media.

He emphasized that in Kuwait alone, these bacteria are responsible for about 40 deaths annually. He also noted that seasonal winter microbes in Kuwait are active from mid-September to May, peaking between October and March.

He emphasized that the Ministry of Health places the highest priority on preventing these diseases. He noted that when considering public health or assessing the risk of diseases, it’s important not to assume that all members of society face the same level of risk. Certain groups, including children, the elderly, healthcare providers, those with chronic diseases, pregnant women, and individuals with low immunity, are more vulnerable. As such, preventing these diseases and providing healthcare for these groups require special attention and increased efforts.

He added that the seasonal winter vaccination campaign will continue throughout the winter season. This includes the flu vaccine, which offers protection against four main virus strains. Over one million doses of this vaccine have been administered in Kuwait in recent years. Additionally, the program includes vaccination against pneumococcal bacteria, with more than one and a half million doses provided in the country since 2007.

He emphasized that the ministry’s efforts are aimed at protecting all segments of society and ensuring the health and safety of both citizens and residents. This is in line with its duty and responsibility to maintain public health in the country and to introduce means of preventing and treating diseases and epidemics.

He noted that vaccinations are available at the preventive health departments of hospitals, numerous specialized centers, and primary health care centers across the country.