Kuwait leads global fight against AIDS with major breakthroughs

• Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, Minister of Health, stated that Kuwait is making swift and steady progress towards the next target: achieving the 95/95/95 goal by 2025. This is part of the National Strategy to Combat AIDS 2023-2027, launched by the ministry.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, Minister of Health, stated that Kuwait has made exceptional progress, according to the 2022 Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS report, positioning the country at the forefront of Arab and regional nations in achieving the 90/90/90 targets. These targets include detecting 90% of people with HIV, ensuring they know their health status, and providing 90% of diagnosed individuals with access to effective treatment, as reported by Al Rai newspaper.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by Dr. AbdulrahmanAl-Mutairi, Undersecretary of the ministry, at the opening of the annual AIDS and Venereal Diseases Conference on Thursday, minister Al-Awadhi stated that Kuwait is making swift and steady progress towards the next target: achieving the 95/95/95 goal by 2025. This is part of the National Strategy to Combat AIDS 2023-2027, recently launched by the Ministry.

He explained that the ministry has made available the latest global treatments for AIDS, including long-acting injections, and has expanded voluntary testing and counseling services by opening a third clinic in the Ahmadi health area.

He emphasized that Kuwait provides confidential voluntary HIV and sexually transmitted disease testing services, along with necessary counseling and awareness programs. The ministry has also prioritized improving the quality of life for people living with AIDS, focusing not only on medical control of the virus but also on ensuring a dignified life for those affected, with psychological, social, and economic stability.

Strengthening community protection

He pointed out that Kuwait aims to strengthen community protection and preserve the rights of people living with the virus by issuing and updating regulations and legislation, while ensuring the highest levels of privacy and confidentiality in all procedures.

The Minister of Health emphasized that confronting AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases is not just a health issue but also a humanitarian and moral duty that requires the participation of all members and institutions of society. This responsibility starts with the family and extends to educational, guidance, and social institutions, which are essential in providing accurate scientific knowledge, promoting awareness, and reducing the societal stigma associated with these diseases.

Ministry achieves milestone in AIDS care with 165 Kuwaiti patients under surveillance

For his part, Dr. Fahad Al-Ghamlas, the Director of the Public Health Department at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the achievements of the ministry, including the epidemiological survey and care for 165 Kuwaiti patients who tested positive for the AIDS virus. These patients were transferred from various sources, with efforts to monitor causes and routes of transmission.

Dr. Al-Ghamlas stated that over 100 positive cases among residents and new arrivals have been treated, and necessary investigation procedures have been carried out to ensure control of the virus’s spread.

Supporting global efforts in combating AIDS

He also explained that the National Statistical Report on AIDS for 2023 was prepared and submitted to the World Health Organization. In addition, periodic reports required by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) were prepared, reflecting Kuwait’s commitment to transparency and providing accurate data to support regional and international efforts in combating the syndrome.

Privacy and confidentiality

He pointed to the expansion of the Tatman clinic services for voluntary consultation and examination, with a new addition at the Fahaheel Health Center. This makes it the third clinic of its kind, following the clinics at the Public Health Department and the Hospital for Infectious Diseases. These clinics are characterized by complete privacy and confidentiality, providing a safe and comfortable environment for voluntary examination and consultation.

2,000 HIV-free certificates issued

He stated that more than 2,000 HIV-free certificates were issued and tested in the Department’s public health laboratories, which enhances the reliability of the preventive tests conducted to ensure the health of the community.

Scientific developments

For his part, Dr. Jamal Al-Duaij, the Director of JahraHealth Zone, said in his speech that the conference is an opportunity to stay updated on the latest scientific developments in the diagnosis and treatment of venereal diseases and to exchange practical experiences that have contributed to improving the health of individuals and communities.

Dr. Al-Duaij explained that the conference is also an important platform for dialogue, uniting efforts and strengthening cooperation between various health, social, and educational sectors. It is an additional step towardscreating an interactive environment that contributes to improving medical performance and enhances the ability of doctors to effectively address these diseases.

Training opportunities for doctors and specialists

He pointed out that the commitment of the Communicable Diseases Hospital to organizing this conference comes “based on our firm belief in the importance of our role as a scientific and medical entity in supporting scientific research and providing educational and continuous training opportunities for doctors and specialists.”

In turn, Dr. Osama Al-Bakasmi, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the conference, said that the conference aims to highlight the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection and reproductively transmitted diseases.

Antiviral treatments

Dr. Al-Bakasmi added that the conference will discuss advancements in accurate diagnostic tests, innovations in antiviral treatments, and effective prevention strategies that have proven successful globally.

He stated that the conference includes interactive scientific sessions with the participation of international and regional experts, enhancing opportunities for the exchange of scientific and practical experiences.

Role of societies across all its sectors

He stressed that addressing these diseases requires more than just medical efforts, but also involves the role of society across all its sectors.

Workshops for imams and specialists

He pointed to the conference’s commitment to delivering awareness messages and organizing workshops for imams and educational specialists to spread awareness among young people and adolescents, promoting the culture of prevention over treatment.

He expressed hope that the conference would serve as a rich scientific platform that contributes to enhancing efforts to protect public health and support progress in the medical field.