Kuwait’s tremendous efforts reduce tuberculosis by 95%

• Kuwait’s public health sector is making notable efforts in combating tuberculosis, represented by providing distinguished health services

• Free TB screening services expanded across Kuwait, including periodic exams for early detection and prevention.

• The number of tuberculosis cases worldwide has reached over 10.6 million cases, causing approximately 300,000 deaths in 2022.

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that eliminating tuberculosis is one of the most crucial health-related sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. It represents a significant challenge to the efforts of workers in the public health sector worldwide, given the nature of the disease and its modes of transmission. The number of tuberculosis cases worldwide has reached over 10.6 million cases, causing approximately 300,000 deaths in 2022.

The Ministry of Health stated in a press release that, in response to the directives of competent international organizations to mobilize efforts aimed at combating and eliminating tuberculosis, the country has made every effort to curb the spread of this disease. Incidence rates have decreased by more than 95% over the past five decades, leading Kuwait to be classified as one of the countries with a low incidence of tuberculosis.

The ministry confirmed that the public health sector is making notable efforts in combating tuberculosis, represented by providing distinguished health services. Early screening centers have been established, along with adequate human and material resources. Strategies and action plans are executed with high coordination among various agencies working in tuberculosis control. These plans are periodically developed in accordance with global data and national indicators.

The provision of preventive services for tuberculosis has expanded through screening clinics for contacts in several centers across Kuwait. These preventive screening services are offered free of charge to all residents of the country, with periodic examinations conducted to detect cases early and limit its spread among various groups.

The ministry pointed out that the tuberculosis control unit in the public health sector provides early detection services for tuberculosis to valued visitors during weekdays at the unit’s main headquarters and at tuberculosis control clinics located in the Hamad Al-Saqr Specialized Health Center, the Manahi Al-Asmai Specialized Health Center, and the Ali Sabah Al-Salem Health Center. There is no need to make a prior appointment, and all inquiries related to these services can be addressed through direct communication with the Tuberculosis Control Unit via their social media accounts.