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Minister highlights advances in pediatric oncology at International Conference

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KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi affirmed that Kuwait’s healthcare system has witnessed remarkable strides in recent years, particularly in the reduction of cases referred abroad for treatment. This progress, he said, stems from the introduction of cutting-edge medical therapies and the training of national healthcare professionals in internationally accredited treatment protocols.

Speaking at the opening of the Second Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Conference on Monday, hosted by the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) Specialized Children’s Hospital, Dr Al-Awadhi emphasized the importance of the event as a key scientific platform bringing together leading global experts in this critical field of medicine. The conference aims to foster knowledge exchange and present the latest advancements in diagnosing and treating pediatric blood disorders and cancer, with a particular focus on central nervous system tumors, including those affecting the brain and nerves. Discussions also include lymphatic system cancers such as lymphoma — one of the most prevalent pediatric malignancies — as well as recent developments in treating acute and chronic leukemia. In addition, the conference highlights innovations in molecular and cellular therapies.

Dr Al-Awadhi underscored the significance of targeted immunotherapies, including monoclonal antibodies and CAR T-cell therapy, describing them as transformative approaches that have enhanced recovery rates in pediatric oncology. He revealed that approximately 120 cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed annually in Kuwait, including around 70 leukemia cases, 50 solid tumors, and 15 central nervous system tumors— accounting for roughly 20 percent of all cancer cases in the country.

Dr Al-Awadhi expressed pride in the achievements of the NBK Specialized Hospital’s Hematology and Pediatric Oncology Department, particularly in adopting advanced therapies like immunotherapy. These treatments, he said, have proven effective in tackling complex conditions such as neuroblastoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, while also reducing treatment complications and mortality rates.

In remarks to reporters, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of both citizens and residents, noting that the ministry ensures the availability of essential medications regardless of cost. He added that the ministry is implementing a strategic plan to expand services and infrastructure, including hospitals, specialized centers, primary healthcare facilities and ambulance services.

He announced the upcoming inauguration of several new healthcare facilities, including maternity hospitals in the Al-Sabah Health District, a mother-and-child hospital in Adan, a hospital for communicable diseases, and emergency and specialized clinics in Al-Mutlaa and Al-Wafra, respectively. Also speaking at the event, Dr Sondos Al-Sharida — Head of the Hematology, Pediatric Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation Department at NBK Specialized Children’s Hospital, President of the Kuwait Children’s Association, and Chairperson of the Conference — highlighted the humanitarian commitment behind the gathering, aimed at improving the lives of children facing serious health challenges.

Dr Al-Sharida shared that the department operates with 64 inpatient beds and a 12-bed day care unit, with an occupancy rate ranging between 50 to 60 percent. The facility sees 1,154 inpatient admissions, 6,143 day care visits, 3,588 emergency cases, and 5,554 outpatient visits annually. Additionally, 3,427 chemotherapy sessions, 450 therapeutic phlebotomies, and 750 surgical procedures, including intravenous catheterizations, are performed each year.

She emphasized the growing reliance on outpatient and day care services, which has contributed to shorter hospital stays and improved quality of life for young patients. The conference, she noted, is addressing both cancerous and non-cancerous blood disorders, with particular attention to complex neurological tumors and emerging therapeutic strategies in blood cancer treatment.

The program features scientific workshops showcasing innovations in immunotherapy, brain tumor treatment, lymphoma management, and advanced technologies in pediatric oncology. Dr Al-Sharida expressed optimism that the conference will help further enhance the medical capabilities of local professionals, enabling them to stay abreast of global advancements and deliver high-quality care. — KUNA

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Kuwait Commerce Min.: Protecting industrial system is Nat’l responsibility

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 KUWAIT: Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Chairman of the Public Authority for Industry (PAI) Khalifa Al-Ajeel said on Monday that protecting the commercial and industrial system is a “national responsibility that requires concerted efforts.”

Minister Al-Ajeel emphasized in a statement to KUNA following an extensive inspection campaign in the south Amghara scrap yard, to “firmly deal with all violations and encroachments in accordance with legal frameworks where no one is above the law.”

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Al-Ajeel confirmed the continuation of inspection campaigns as well until the desired goals are reached, foremost being is restoring order and discipline to the area and removing all violations and encroachments.

He affirmed the ministry and the PAI’s commitment to cooperating with relevant authorities to continue these campaigns to ensure a safe and organized industrial and commercial environment.

The campaign resulted in the seizure of several violations and closure of several non-compliant units in preparation for taking necessary legal action against their exploiters.

Participating in the campaign was General Fire Force (KFF) Chief Major General Talal Al-Roumi, along with several executive leaders from the PAI. — KUNA

 

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Human Rights Committee session begins with focus on Gaza, regional challenges

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CAIRO: The 56th regular session of the Arab Permanent Committee for Human Rights commenced on Monday with the participation of Kuwait and representatives from Arab states concerned with human rights affairs. In his opening address, Ahmed Maghari, supervisor of the Human Rights Department at the League of Arab States, underscored the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling it a stark indicator of the region’s human rights reality. “We cannot speak of the state of human rights without acknowledging the catastrophic conditions faced by our brothers in Gaza, where securing the most basic necessities has become a matter of survival,” he said. Maghari described the ongoing Zionist aggression in Gaza as a profound moral and humanitarian challenge, noting that the Palestinian people continue to endure daily suffering under constant bombardment, displacement and destruction. He lamented the international community’s continued inaction in the face of clear violations of international law and human rights norms. “The occupying power persists in defying international legitimacy and the decisions of the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the International Court of Justice,” he said.

Held at a time of mounting regional tensions, the session comes amid escalating challenges that directly affect fundamental human rights. Maghari highlighted the Committee’s historic role since its establishment in 1968 in developing the Arab human rights framework both legally and practically, while also fostering cooperation with regional and international partners. He expressed hope that the session would yield effective recommendations to help confront the pressing challenges in the region. He pointed to the rise of conflicts and violence globally, along with the resulting serious human rights violations, as major concerns.

Emerging issues such as the intersection of human rights with climate change, artificial intelligence, and the spread of alien ideologies that undermine human dignity were also noted. “In light of these challenges, we must reinforce our solidarity and collective action to enhance peace, stability, and the security of our societies,” Maghari added. The two-day session, chaired by Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi, Chairman of the Arab Permanent Committee for Human Rights, will review the General Secretariat’s report on the implementation of previous recommendations up to the 55th session.

Discussions will also focus on Zionist violations in occupied Arab territories, the plight of Arab prisoners and detainees in Zionist prisons, and the issue of the bodies of Palestinian and Arab martyrs held in so-called “numbered cemeteries.” Other agenda items include the Arab Charter on Human Rights and preparations for Arab Human Rights Day, which will be observed on March 16, 2026. Kuwait is represented at the meeting by a delegation led by Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah.— KUNA

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Crown Prince receives Egyptian Deputy PM

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KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received on Tuesday at Bayan Palace the Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, Lieutenant General Kamel Abdulhadi Al-Wazir, and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of their official visit to the country. The meeting was attended by Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan and Egypt’s Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout.– KUNA photos

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