Guide offers specific and standardized procedures for evaluating types of disabilities
KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah announced the launch of the “Kuwait Disability Guide 2025,” describing it as a vital national initiative that underscores Kuwait’s commitment to local legislation and international agreements. The guide aims to establish transparency and justice in the assessment and diagnosis of disabilities in accordance with global standards.
Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the occasion, Dr Al-Huwailah said the initiative aligns with the provisions of Law No 73 of 2020, specifically Article 48, Clause 17, which mandates the development of clear scientific criteria for disability diagnosis. The law also requires the Public Authority for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities to publish these standards and make them accessible via its official website.
Dr Al-Huwailah highlighted that the guide is the result of a decade-long effort carried out in collaboration with experts from the United Nations, the World Health Organization, medical and technical committees from the Public Authority, and specialized doctors from the Ministry of Health. The goal, she noted, was to develop a comprehensive national reference grounded in best international practices.
Participants attend the press conference to launch the Kuwait Guide for Disability 2025.
Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah.
Acting Director General of the Public Authority for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities, Wafaa Al-Muhanna.
The minister explained that the guide offers specific and standardized procedures for evaluating various types of disabilities — including mental, physical, psychological, motor, visual, and auditory impairments — ensuring accurate diagnoses and tailored support for individuals. She added that the guide aims to unify diagnostic criteria, assist specialists in decision-making, and streamline procedures across medical and judicial bodies. It also serves as a reference for professionals in healthcare, education, employment and caregiving sectors.
Dr Al-Huwailah reaffirmed Kuwait’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities, emphasizing that this is a shared national responsibility embraced by the state’s leadership, government and people. She expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the creation of the guide, and reiterated the government’s dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting their inclusion in society. Meanwhile, Acting Director General of the Public Authority for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities, Wafaa Al-Muhanna, said the launch marks a significant step toward institutional transparency and public awareness.
In a separate statement to KUNA, Al-Muhanna noted that the guide will help define diagnostic procedures and assess the severity of disabilities, enabling its application across government and healthcare entities. She added that the Authority had uploaded the guide to its official website in line with Law No. 8 of 2010, and continues to develop tools and resources to better serve people with disabilities. Al-Muhanna affirmed the Authority’s commitment to collaborating with local and international partners to enhance the lives, health, and well-being of persons with disabilities. — 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.
KUWAIT: Kuwait University has kicked off its three-day campaign, “Design Your Future”, at The Avenues mall, in an effort to connect with high school graduates and guide them through the admissions process.
Organized by the Admissions Department under the Deanship of Admission and Registration, the campaign runs daily from 10 am to 10 pm. It offers students and their families a chance to explore available majors, admission criteria, and application procedures for the upcoming academic year.
“The campaign has seen strong engagement from recent high school graduates and their parents since its launch,” said Dr Fadhel Aziz, Acting Dean of Admission and Registration. “It gives prospective students the opportunity to learn about Kuwait University’s various colleges and how to apply.”
Among the key features of the university’s booth are introductions to new, in-demand programs such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in the College of Life Sciences and Cybersecurity in the College of Science. These programs reflect current labor market needs and technological trends. “Students now have the chance to explore some of the most in-demand fields in today’s job market,” Dr Aziz added.
Also participating in the campaign are representatives from the Public Authority for Manpower and the Civil Service Commission, who are providing students with insights into labor market demands and helping them align their academic choices with future career opportunities. “This campaign is a key step for high school graduates,” Dr Aziz noted. “It helps them clarify their interests and organize their priorities in a way that matches both their academic performance and personal inclinations.”
He emphasized that the university’s goal is to support students in making well-informed decisions that align with community needs and job market trends. The event continues through the end of the week, offering guidance and resources for anyone considering Kuwait University as the next step in their education journey.
