Kuwait steps up efforts with new tuberculosis monitoring program
The program aims to ensure full therapeutic compliance, reduce relapse rates and drug resistance, thereby promoting public health and protecting the Kuwaiti community from the risks of disease spread.
• Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, the Minister of Health, issued a ministerial decision to implement the DOT supervision treatment program for monitoring tuberculosis patients after their hospital isolation period.
In a significant move to enhance health control and combat infectious diseases, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, the Minister of Health, issued a ministerial decision to implement the DOT supervision treatment program for monitoring tuberculosis patients after their hospital isolation period, according to Al Anba newspaper.
The program aims to ensure full therapeutic compliance, reduce relapse rates and drug resistance, thereby promoting public health and protecting the Kuwaiti community from the risks of disease spread.
The program is implemented under the supervision of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center and in coordination with the National Committee for the Control of Tuberculosis. It provides services through tuberculosis clinics, mobile clinics, and an electronic remote system, ensuring easy access and integrated care for patients.
It is noteworthy that the State of Kuwait has low rates of tuberculosis according to international health standards, with infection rates dropping by 52% over the last five years, reflecting ongoing national efforts in this area.
Controlling infectious diseases
This decision reaffirms the Ministry of Health’s commitment to implementing the best international health practices to control infectious diseases and safeguard the health of citizens and the community.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health, through the Office of AIDS in the Public Health Sector, held an awareness event at The Avenues Complex on World AIDS Day to raise awareness of the disease and HIV infection, demonstrating international solidarity in addressing it.
Dr. Sarah Al-Qabandi, the head of the AIDS office at the Ministry of Health, said in a press statement after the opening of the event, which was held under the patronage and presence of Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, that the ministry aims through this three day event to raise awareness of the risks of the disease, its modes of transmission, prevention, treatment, and the removal of the stigma associated with it.
Al-Qabandi explained that the Office of AIDS is responsible for all matters related to HIV infection (AIDS), including awareness, testing, follow-up with contacts, development of operational policies, and coordination with various relevant authorities. The office also issues disease-free certificates for those wishing to conduct tests.
Free treatment
She stated that treatments for the virus is provided free of charge to all citizens and that Kuwait is one of the leading countries in the region in combating the disease and providing care for those affected. In addition, the office has developed a national strategy for 2023/2027 to combat AIDS through the National Committee to Combat AIDS.
Al-Qabandi explained that acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has become one of the chronic diseases that can be controlled, and the ministry is committed to providing effective medicines that allow patients to lead normal lives as long as they adhere to their treatment.
