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Ministry concludes nationwide anti-drug awareness campaign

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) concluded on Wednesday a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at combating drug abuse and trafficking, launched on June 12 in collaboration with the Kuwait Center for Addiction Treatment and several partner institutions. The initiative focused on educating the public – particularly youth and adolescents – on the dangers of addiction and the importance of prevention.

Speaking to reporters, Dr Abeer Al-Bahou, Director of the Health Promotion Department at the MoH, said the campaign, held under the slogan “The evidence is clear: Invest in prevention to break the cycle,” featured a series of educational activities addressing the global challenge of drug addiction, which continues to endanger the lives of millions around the world. Al-Bahou noted that the campaign also included a public questionnaire aimed at gauging awareness levels among adults in Kuwait regarding drug addiction. A total of 482 individuals participated in the survey through randomized sampling conducted via social media platforms.

KUWAIT: Participants are pictured during the event. – KUNA photos

KUWAIT: Participants are pictured during the event. – KUNA photos

According to the findings, 55 percent of respondents recognized drug addiction as a chronic, treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior, ultimately impairing a person’s ability to control substance use. Approximately 60 percent attributed the root causes of addiction to negative family influences, poor social environments, a lack of supervision during travel, psychological vulnerabilities and peer pressure. The survey further revealed that over 56 percent identified key symptoms of addiction as deceitful behavior, stealing, emotional instability, personal neglect and withdrawal symptoms. Meanwhile, more than 60 percent acknowledged the psychological effects of drug abuse, including depression, memory impairment and hallucinations. Notably, over 71 percent pointed to serious health complications such as viral hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, miscarriage and fetal deformities as potential consequences of drug use.

Dr Al-Bahou said 64 percent of respondents highlighted prevention methods such as family engagement, school-based support, and community awareness efforts as effective tools in combating drug abuse. She expressed optimism at the survey’s findings, which indicated strong public awareness and understanding of the issue.

In a related statement, Adnan Al-Othman, Executive Director of Al-Othman Real Estate Portfolio, underscored the critical role of awareness campaigns in curbing the spread of narcotics, particularly among the youth. He emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships with relevant authorities to raise community consciousness about the dangers of drugs, their various forms and methods of prevention.

“These campaigns serve as a vital shield in the fight against this menace by informing the public of its destructive consequences and methods of prevention,” Al-Othman said. He added that the initiative aligns with the vision of Thalth Al-Mahmoum Abdullah Al-Othman, which supports social responsibility through the Al-Othman Real Estate Portfolio and Dar Al-Othman. Al-Othman affirmed that the group remains committed to launching community-focused initiatives in the fields of health, sports, culture and social welfare. He noted that these programs reflect Thalth Al-Othman’s broader mission of enhancing quality of life and promoting sustainable charitable work in Kuwait. — 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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Workshop discusses health competency framework

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday inaugurated a regional workshop titled “Competency Framework”, aimed at reviewing the preliminary draft of a competency framework for public health professionals. The three-day workshop is organized by the Gulf Center for Disease Control in cooperation with the Gulf Health Council and the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control (KCDC).

In his opening remarks, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry, Dr Munther Al-Hasawi, welcomed a distinguished group of public health leaders and specialists from GCC countries, emphasizing the workshop’s importance in light of the increasing need to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public health workforce. Al-Hasawi stressed the critical role of investing in human capital through training, capacity building, and well-structured competency frameworks grounded in scientific and practical methodologies. He noted that public health competency goes beyond technical expertise, encompassing key administrative and interpersonal skills such as leadership, teamwork, and effective communication.

“Competency in public health is the ability to deliver appropriate, effective services to communities while achieving optimal outcomes,” Al-Hasawi said. “It includes service delivery, resource management, community engagement, and cross-sectoral cooperation.” Chairing the workshop, Dr Mohammed Al-Saeedan, Head of the Emergency Department – Public Health at KCDC, told reporters that the session aims to discuss and refine the initial draft of the framework with input from regional decision-makers and experts. The goal, he said, is to develop a comprehensive guide to strengthen the capabilities of the health workforce across GCC countries.

“Competency frameworks contribute to improving public health, increasing life expectancy, reducing the overall health burden, and advancing sustainable development,” Al-Saeedan explained. “Healthy individuals are more productive and better able to contribute to society.” He emphasized the importance of continuously updating public health guidelines and competency standards to build professional readiness and effectively address evolving health challenges. “Guidelines serve as essential tools in disease prevention and health promotion, guiding individuals and communities in making informed health choices that enhance quality of life,” he said.

Al-Saeedan noted that global shifts and the rising prevalence of diseases demand heightened preparedness and response capabilities. “As the world increasingly prioritizes prevention over treatment, public health professionals must be equipped with the highest level of skill and knowledge to manage emergencies and implement effective interventions,” he added. The workshop is expected to result in key recommendations that will shape a unified GCC approach to public health competency development and workforce excellence. — KUNA

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The hidden drivers behind high prices in Kuwait

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Although Kuwait was ranked earlier this year as the second least expensive Gulf country in the 2025 World Cost of Living Index, many residents feel that the prices of certain goods or services remain disproportionately high compared to other countries. While essential services — such as electricity, water, and fuel — are heavily subsidized and therefore inexpensive, other aspects of life, including housing, entertainment, and branded products, often carry a much steeper cost.

Therefore, according to economic expert Dr. Amer Al Tamimi, the root of the issue lies not in government policy, but in people’s behavior — whether it’s business owners inflating prices or consumers adopting high-cost lifestyles. Each year the state allocates no less than KD 6 billion in subsidies for electricity, water, fuel, and even certain food items. “In fact, the government has made life remarkably affordable for citizens — perhaps even too affordable.” But while basic goods may be inexpensive, the same cannot be said for luxury and lifestyle products. According to Al Tamimi, the high standard of living and strong purchasing power among Kuwait’s resident’s fuels intense demand for premium items — from cars and watches to high-end services and entertainment.

“These items might be cheaper elsewhere, but in Kuwait, the appetite for luxury pushes prices higher,” he explained. Even mid-range categories, such as transportation and clothing, are considered expensive when compared to regional or global averages. Social behavior plays a significant role in shaping price dynamics. “Some individuals, despite earning modest incomes, make choices driven by appearances,” said Al Tamimi. “Someone earning KD 1,000 might buy a car with KD 500 monthly installments just to keep up an image.”

This desire to showcase wealth creates an artificial demand for high-end goods and services. As demand rises, so do prices, creating a feedback loop that affects everything from café menus to car dealerships. “There’s a culture of excessive consumption. People need to rethink their habits, as rational consumption can lead to lower prices overall,” he suggested. This culture of overspending is reflected in many lifestyle choices. “I am surprised to see people pay for coffee delivery when they can simply an easily make it at home,” said Altamimi.

While some spending habits may be avoidable, others — like housing — are fundamental and affect nearly everyone. Al Tamimi pointed to Kuwait’s real estate market as one of the most significant contributors to the high cost of living, citing the soaring price of land. “Land alone accounts for around 70 to 75 percent of the total cost of any building,” he explained. “This is very different from many other countries, where land is more affordable and makes up a smaller portion of overall costs.” This imbalance has driven up both property prices and rent, placing a heavy burden on households and businesses alike. For many residents, housing expenses consume a large share of their monthly income.

Another key issue, Al Tamimi argued, is the lack of competition in certain markets. “Some goods are effectively monopolized by one, two, or three importers,” he noted. This concentration of market power gives a small number of players the ability to set prices with little competitive pressure. To address this, he urged efforts to open up the market. “Breaking these monopolies and encouraging more entrepreneurs to enter different sectors could help,” he said. “We need to streamline business procedures and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that currently discourage new players. In many cases, we only have a handful of stores selling certain products. More competition will ultimately benefit the consumer.”

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