Kuwait launches integrated system for early childhood development
. . . mobilizes 240 doctors, 95 health centres for the Initiative
Kuwait has launched a National Early Childhood Initiative to strengthen developmental screening, early intervention and family support for children through a partnership between the Ministry of Health and National Bank of Kuwait (NBK).
Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi said early childhood is at the heart of Kuwait’s health and development priorities, with the initiative providing a structured system to monitor children’s development and give families access to health guidance and practical support. The initiative comprises two main programmes: the National Developmental Screening Program and the Bada’a Platform.
The screening programme uses a standardized age-and-stage questionnaire to assess communication, movement, problem-solving and personal and social skills, helping identify children who may require further evaluation. The Bada’a Platform provides parents and caregivers with information and practical guidance on supporting children’s development through play, interaction and daily activities.
The ministry said 240 primary-care doctors have been trained and 95 health centres equipped for the initiative’s phased implementation. Well Child clinics have also been activated during evening hours at 12 health centres, with their services linked to pediatric departments and specialist centres for further assessment, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation when required.
Dr. Al-Awadhi said Kuwait’s under-five mortality rate declined from 12.7 per 1,000 children in 2000 to 8.8 in 2023, according to the UN Sustainable Development Goals Index, but stressed the need to continue strengthening child health and development services. Dr. Wafaa Al-Ateeqi said the joint Ministry of Health-NBK team began work in May 2026 and established unified policies and referral pathways.
At a recent Mother and Child exhibition, developmental screening was conducted for 170 children, with 30 referred to hospital pediatricians for further assessment. The next phase will allow families to book evening Well Child appointments through Sahel, integrate screening results into electronic patient records and train hospital pediatricians on the ASQ-3 developmental screening questionnaire.
NBK Group Vice Chairman and CEO Issam Al-Sager said the initiative reflects a commitment to investing in children during their formative years and represents a model of cooperation between the public and private sectors to support families and improve quality of life.
