“Health Ministry” launches ‘KNPHS’ to boost public health

• ‘Kuwait National Population Health Survey (KNPHS) includes taking some health data and medical and laboratory tests.

• Collection of samples from 12,000 participants of all ages and nationalities in 8,000 randomly selected family units

• Participation in the survey is optional and is a valuable contribution to improving health care services.

The official spokesman for the Ministry of Health, Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad, announced the launch of the first phase of the ‘Kuwait National Population Health Survey (KNPHS)’ in the State. This is part of the country’s development plan and Vision 2035, which is an initiative that aims to promote health and well-being for all.

The KNPHS project is designed to enhance national health data infrastructure, in alignment with the Council of Ministers’ mandate, and is being carried out in collaboration with various local entities.

Dr. Al-Sanad explained that the health survey employs a scientific approach to gather comprehensive data on the health status of a segment of the population. This will provide a detailed overview of individuals’ health, helping to identify disease patterns. The collected data will be an important resource for shaping future health policies and improving public health across the nation.

Adding significance to this survey, Dr. Al-Sanad further emphasized that Kuwait has experienced significant changes over the past three decades, including shifts in demographics, lifestyle, and socio-economic conditions.

These changes have led to a new health reality, contributing to the rise in chronic non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health conditions and risk factors. These diseases have a considerable impact on the quality of life for both citizens and residents.

This emphasizes the importance of the national health survey in providing accurate data to support future planning based on scientific evidence.

The survey aims to improve public health and update the type and quality of health services offered in Kuwait, ensuring they are aligned with the evolving health needs of the population.

The National Health Survey includes collection of samples of from 12,000 participants of all ages and nationalities across 8,000 randomly selected family units from various governorates of Kuwait.

Furthermore, families will be notified via the ‘Sahel’ or ‘Idwati’ applications, and if this is not possible, they will be contacted through the Ministry of Health’s hotline at ‘151’.

If telephone communication is not possible, an approved and qualified team from the Ministry of Health will visit the household to provide information about the survey.

The team, consisting of a doctor, a nurse, and a field researcher, will conduct the necessary questionnaires and health examinations, but only after receiving approval from the head of the family.

After coordinating with the head of the family and obtaining approval, the survey questionnaire will be conducted using smart devices, along with necessary examinations either at home, or at the nearest health center, based on the family’s preference.

The examinations will include measuring height and weight, oral and dental checks, vision tests, blood pressure measurement, respiratory system efficiency assessment, and some laboratory tests like cholesterol and blood percentage analysis.

The entire process, including the questionnaire and examinations, will take not more than 2 hours. Results will then be delivered through the ‘Kuwait Seha’ or ‘Sahel’ applications.

Dr. Al-Sanad stressed that participation in the survey is entirely optional, but it is a valuable contribution to improving healthcare services in Kuwait.

The data collected will aid the Ministry of Health and other national entities in making evidence-based decisions, identifying health needs, and evaluating current health indicators of the population in the State of Kuwait.

This will help analyze the health situation, measure the prevalence of certain conditions and associated risk factors, enhance disease surveillance, assess the use of health services, and provide up-to-date health data to support scientific research.

Dr. Al-Sanad also assured that the Ministry of Health will maintain the confidentiality of participants’ personal information in accordance with the highest security standards.

Summarizing the need and importance of this massive nation-wide exercise through the Kuwait National Population Health Survey (KNPHS), Dr. Al-Sanad, urged all participating families to cooperate with the field teams, stressing that their involvement in this national survey will strengthen the health system’s ability to make informed decisions.

Also, it will play a crucial role in developing effective policies that will contribute towards improving health and enhancing overall lifestyle in the State of Kuwait.