“Health Minister” announces 71 Stem Cell transplants for children completed since 2020

• Al-Awadhi stated that Kuwait has a high success rate comparable to major international centers in stem cell transplantation.

• The stem cell transplants include, 57 from donors, 7 autologous transplants and 7 cellular treatments to enhance cells.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, announced that 71 stem cell transplants for children have been successfully conducted since the launch of the stem cell transplant program in October 2020. He highlighted that the program has achieved very high success rates, comparable to those of major international medical centers.

In a speech during the opening of the fourth conference on stem cell transplantation and gene and cellular therapy for children on Wednesday, the Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, revealed that among the 71 stem cell transplants performed since the program’s launch, 57 were from donor stem cells, seven were self-stem cell transplants, and seven involved cell therapy to enhance stem cells.

Al-Awadhi pointed out that 27 of the transplants involved the cultivation of cells from semi-identical donors, a highly complex procedure requiring exceptional expertise. He emphasized that this achievement reflects significant progress in the country’s medical capabilities, highlighting its ability to provide care that meets the highest international standards.

Importantly, Al-Awadhi stressed that the Ministry of Health is committed to staying abreast of the latest scientific and technological advancements in hematology and pediatric cancer. He emphasized the ministry’s focus on stem cell transplantation, cellular therapy, and genetic therapy to provide the best treatments for leukemia and genetic diseases, aiming to deliver integrated and comprehensive healthcare.

Al-Awadhi explained that since Kuwait’s initial steps in stem cell transplantation, the country has set its primary goal of becoming a leading nation in this specialized field.

Moreover, Al-Awadhi added that since the establishment of the first stem cell transplantation program in the country, it has been committed to building an integrated system that combines exceptional national expertise with the latest international technologies.

Al-Awadhi regarded the conference as both a humanitarian and scientific message, reflecting the quest for a bright, healthy future for children who need every scientific advancement, to improve their lives. He described it as an open call for the exchange of knowledge and the promotion of cooperation among creative minds to develop innovative solutions that revolutionize diagnostic and treatment methods.

In a statement to reporters after the opening, Al-Awadhi stressed that the conference marks a qualitative leap for the Ministry of Health. He also announced the signing of the contract for the establishment of the third section of the National Bank of Kuwait Hospital, along with the availability of the latest medical devices and medicines.

The president of the conference, Dr. Sondos Al-Shuraidah, stated in her speech that the ‘Therapeutic Phlebotomy Unit’ has demonstrated exceptional performance, conducting 530 therapeutic photopheresis sessions since 2022. She also highlighted the completion of 28 blood exchange sessions and numerous other therapeutic phlebotomy sessions for children since 2023.

Al-Shuraidah stated that this annual conference is a true reflection of the ongoing work in the stem cell transplantation unit for children, which continues to evolve. She emphasized that the conference is bolstered by increasing cooperation with regional and international institutions, contributing to the improvement of medical care for sick children and expanding the scope of scientific research.

Furthermore, Al-Shuraidah pointed out that several visiting doctors participated in multidisciplinary meetings at the National Bank Hospital, where more than 30 children were examined, both in outpatient clinics and in the wards too.

Al-Shuraidah explained that the conference features a group of experts and 37 international and regional speakers from ten hospitals, enriching the discussions and broadening scientific cooperation. She noted that the agenda focuses on modern technologies that open new horizons for the treatment of leukemia, tumors, and genetic engineering.

Source: Al Jarida