KISR, MOH, WHO unite to boost Kuwait’s research on antimicrobial resistance

The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) convened a preliminary meeting today with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen Kuwait’s research capabilities in the field of public health, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance and its far-reaching effects on humans, animals, and the environment.

Faisal Al-Humaidan, Acting Director-General of KISR, emphasized the critical need for scientific and technical collaboration among national and international partners to combat antimicrobial resistance, aligning efforts under the “One Health” approach — a global strategy that recognizes the interconnection between people, animals, and the environment, reports Al-Rai daily.

He noted that the meeting served to activate the memorandum of understanding signed last January between KISR and the WHO.

The agreement aims to enhance joint research across key areas including non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity, environmental pollution, epidemic preparedness, and the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance — all of which directly affect public health, the efficiency of health services, and the long-term sustainability of the nation’s financial resources.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Enezi, Acting Executive Director of KISR’s Environmental and Life Sciences Research Center, described antimicrobial resistance as a national health priority. He stressed the importance of building a strong scientific foundation to guide future policy, praising the continued support of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences and other national stakeholders.

WHO Representative in Kuwait, Dr. Asaad Hafeez, reaffirmed the organization’s full commitment to supporting Kuwait in translating the One Health strategy into practical action.

He highlighted the importance of institutional cooperation and announced that the WHO aims to establish a research cooperation center at KISR. The center would serve as a hub for scientific exchange and collaboration, supporting the development of national strategies to address the complex and growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.