KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health has officially launched its new First Responder fleet, a nationwide project aimed at delivering faster emergency medical care—especially during critical moments where rapid intervention can mean the difference between life and death.

Unveiled on Wednesday, the project is a joint initiative between the ministry’s Emergency Medical Department and the General Secretariat of Endowments. “This is not just an operational upgrade or logistical support—it’s a direct extension of our national health vision, which places a strong emphasis on medical readiness,” said Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi at the launch event.

Designed to serve both remote and densely populated areas, the project aims to bring early resuscitation and immediate medical treatment to patients before they even reach the hospital. Dr Al-Awadhi explained that the goal is to “enhance the speed and quality of emergency response across the country, protect lives, and reduce complications.”

He added that the fleet of 28 specially equipped vehicles will be distributed strategically across Kuwait based on population density, service coverage, and response priorities. This setup, he said, will be “continuously evaluated and updated to maintain the highest operational efficiency.”

Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi honors Nasser Al-Khader, Director of the Endowment Projects Department at the General Secretariat of Endowments, for the secretariat’s contribution to the fleet.

Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi

Each vehicle in the fleet is staffed by trained emergency technicians and paramedics who are required to pass both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) courses. According to Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Support Services Dr Abdullah Al-Faras, the vehicles come fully stocked with resuscitation equipment, oxygen tanks, advanced respiratory devices, IV fluids, essential emergency medications, and tools to stabilize fractures and spinal injuries.

“When a call is received by the central operations room, the nearest First Responder vehicle is dispatched,” Dr Al-Faras explained. “The field teams then conduct an immediate assessment and send a report from the scene, followed by on-site care until backup arrives or the patient is transported to the hospital.”

The project is funded through the Waqf Healthcare Fund, part of the General Secretariat of Endowments. Nasser Al-Khader, Director of the Endowment Projects Department at the General Secretariat of Endowments, speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General, praised the collaboration with government bodies to support national development goals.

He highlighted the role of donors whose endowments continue to fund projects that serve the public good, saying, “This initiative reflects our commitment to using Waqf resources in line with donors’ wishes and Islamic legal guidelines.” — KUNA

KUWAIT: Attorney General Saad Al-Safran announced the transfer of several Kuwaiti prosecutors from specialized and local-level positions to the country’s higher public prosecution office, as part of a wider effort to nationalize and strengthen the judiciary with qualified local talent.

Notably, the decision includes — for the first time — Kuwaiti women among those promoted to the higher prosecution body, a step hailed as a milestone for gender equality in the legal field. In a statement, the Public Prosecution said the decision marks “a precedent recorded for the first time,” emphasizing that the appointments were made “based on the objective standard of merit.”

The move reflects “the well-deserved confidence in Kuwaiti women and their vital role in the criminal justice system,” the statement continued, adding that it supports the principle of empowering women in leadership roles and ensuring equal opportunities in the judiciary.

The decision is also in line with the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to increase the presence of qualified Kuwaitis in key state institutions, especially the justice sector.

In a separate decision, the Attorney General also appointed Badr Al-Masaad, First Chief Prosecutor and Head of the Attorney General’s Technical Office, to lead the higher prosecution office. The moves underscore Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to localize key public sector roles and promote capable national figures — both men and women — within the legal system. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The National Cancer Awareness Campaign (CAN) launched the Haidu‑CAN Olympic Sports Tournament Wednesday evening at Hatrick Stadium in Khaitan. Youth teams from across the country are taking part in this event, which aims to promote healthy lifestyles and highlight the role of sport in disease prevention—particularly cancer.

Dr Hessa Majid Al‑Shaheen, a member of CAN’s board of directors, explained that the tournament offers an “unconventional” path to health education by blending competitive sports with practical prevention messages. “Sport is not a luxury,” she said, “but an effective means of prevention—and a gateway to a healthier, more informed society.”

According to Al‑Shaheen, medical research shows that at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity can reduce the risk of certain cancers—such as colon and breast—by up to 30–40 percent. Regular exercise also plays a crucial role in preventing heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, while boosting mental health and alleviating stress and anxiety.

KUWAIT: (From left) Dr Sanaa Al-Asfour, Dr Iman Al-Shimmari, Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen, Saad Al-Houti, and Abdullah Al-Saleh are seen at the launch of the Haidu‑CAN Olympic Sports Tournament.

The Haidu‑CAN initiative aims to sustain young people’s engagement in sports through interactive activities that pair athletic competition with awareness workshops. In addition to tournament matches, the program features educational sessions and support initiatives for cancer survivors.

Abdullah Al‑Saleh, Director of the Haidu‑CAN Olympics, described the event as “a unique model” that moves beyond traditional awareness campaigns. “We’re delivering health messages in a way that resonates with youth—through experience and participation rather than indoctrination,” he said. This tournament is one of several activities organized by CAN’s sports team to translate theoretical health advice into tangible, everyday practices and foster long‑term healthy habits.

Guest of honor Captain Saad Al‑Houti—a former Kuwaiti national footballer—opened the tournament with a motivational address. “Sport is a message before it is a result,” he told participants, praising CAN’s efforts to empower youth as ambassadors of prevention. “Such initiatives strengthen the role of sports in community building and give young people the chance to drive positive change.”

The tournament’s opening night drew a large, enthusiastic crowd. Over the coming days, the Haidu‑CAN Olympics will continue with mini‑tournaments, educational meetings and health‑focused competitions designed especially for young athletes.