Kuwait to conduct comprehensive national health survey

• The survey will collect data on various health indicators, including demographics, lifestyle habits, disease history, and access to healthcare.

• The survey will involve all Kuwaiti citizens and residents who have been in the country for at least six months.

In pursuit of understanding the health status of its citizens, the Kuwait Government has launched a comprehensive health survey.

This nationwide project, directed by the Cabinet, will be overseen by the Ministry of Health under the guidance of the Supreme Council for Planning.

According to reports by Q8-Press, Saleh Al-Mulla, Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, initiated communication regarding the national health survey project for the Kuwaiti population.

Al-Mulla sent letters to relevant authorities, indicating that the Council of Ministers reviewed the recommendations from the Educational, Health, and Youth Committee meeting held on May 30th, 2024.

During this meeting, the committee specifically focused on a letter from the Minister of Health concerning the proposed national health survey project.

The survey, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, will focus on collecting, structuring, and providing reliable data on the national health landscape.

This data will be instrumental in evaluating the current healthcare system and formulating future health policies based on the population’s specific needs.

The survey will encompass both Kuwaiti citizens and non-Kuwaiti residents who have resided in Kuwait for at least six months.

Project managers will collect health information from a representative sample of adults and children across all age groups.

Goals of the National Health Survey

The survey aims to achieve several critical objectives:

• Measure Population Health: It will assess the overall health of Kuwaiti residents, providing valuable insights into the nation’s health landscape.
• Disease Prevalence: The survey will identify the prevalence of various diseases within the population, allowing for targeted interventions and resource allocation.
• Program Evaluation: It will evaluate the effectiveness of existing public health programs, enabling adjustments to optimize their impact.
• Data Collection for Health Organizations: The survey will gather data on key health indicators required by both national and international health organizations.

The collected data will be meticulously structured to serve as the foundation for future healthcare planning.

The Ministry of Health’s IT specialists will play a crucial role in developing a secure and efficient database. Additionally, they will establish a comprehensive management and coding protocol for the collected information.

Furthermore, the survey will identify performance indicators aligned with the World Health Organization’s standards.

This will allow for international benchmarking and facilitate comparisons with other countries.

Finally, the project will culminate in a comprehensive report detailing the health status of the Kuwaiti population.

Extensive collaboration for a successful project

The success of this national health survey hinges on collaboration across various government entities.

The Ministry of Health has been tasked with coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure the project’s success.

This collaboration will be vital in achieving the survey’s goals and ultimately improving the health and well-being of Kuwait’s population.

Fifteen organizations have been enlisted to participate in the project. These include:

• Ministries: Interior, Finance, Information, Education, and Social Affairs
• Public Authorities: Applied Education and Training, Disabilities, Environment, and Youth
• Other Key Institutions: General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning, Foundation for Scientific Progress, Research Institute, Central Statistical Administration, Kuwait University, and Dasman Institute

The national health survey is expected to contribute significantly to improving public health by providing detailed and accurate data. This data will empower informed decision-making, leading to better health outcomes and economic benefits for Kuwait.