Kuwait’s hospitals receive 30,000 antibodies to prevent respiratory viruses in newborns
The Head of the Children’s Department at Al-Sabah Hospital and President of the Second Pediatrics Conference, Dr. Iman Al-Enezi, announced on Sunday that hospitals received 30,000 antibody doses to prevent respiratory viruses in newborns and infants, targeting diseases like Tracheitis and Respiratory Syncytial Virus RSV.
In a press conference at the conclusion of the Second Pediatrics Conference, Dr. Al-Enezi explained that this initiative is part of Kuwait’s National Health Strategy, highlighting the state’s commitment to protecting its youngest citizens.
Dr. Al-Enezi encouraged mothers to consult pediatricians to ensure their children under one year of age receive the preventive dose. She clarified that infants born in government hospitals would automatically receive the dose, while those born in private hospitals can obtain it from health centers.
What’s more is that Dr. Al-Enezi concluded by emphasizing that the cooperation between the Ministry of Health and healthcare specialists demonstrates a collective commitment to enhancing health services and securing a healthy future for Kuwait’s children. She added that this effort positions Kuwait as a leader in adopting innovative solutions to protect children’s health.
Dr. Maryam Khader, the President of the Association of Premature and Neonatal Physicians, stated that preventive doses are given to newborns and children under one year old during the winter season, from September to March.
This reduces emergency visits and hospital admissions by up to 80%. Dr. Khader explained that while the virus is not new, the antibody provides protection for more than five months with a single dose.
Dr. Sundos Al-Sharida, President of the Kuwait Pediatric Association and Chair of the Scientific Committee of the Conference, expressed her delight in introducing this innovation in Kuwait. She noted that it has been registered in 52 countries and administered to over one million children worldwide, including in France, Spain, and the United States.
Importantly, Kuwait is the first in the Middle East to offer this innovative solution, which clinical studies have shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization by up to 80%.
During the opening of the Second Kuwait Pediatrics Conference, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi emphasized the importance of this innovation in reducing respiratory infections in children. He highlighted its crucial role in improving public health and advancing community progress.
Dr. Al-Awadi explained that this innovative solution targets the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), the leading cause of hospitalization in infants. He highlighted that RSV accounts for 63% of acute respiratory infections globally and primarily affects children under 12 months, making prevention a critical health priority.
