Health minister highlights worsening health landscape across the region

GENEVA: Kuwait remains firmly committed to advancing regional cooperation in tackling protracted crises and reinforcing equitable, resilient health systems, particularly across the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi affirmed on Wednesday. Delivering Kuwait’s national statement before the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Dr Al-Awadhi underlined the country’s ongoing efforts to support collective health action under this year’s theme, “One World for Health.” The assembly, the World Health Organization’s highest decision-making body, is scheduled to continue through May 27.

Leading the Kuwaiti delegation, the minister highlighted the worsening health landscape across the region, shaped by prolonged armed conflicts, complex emergencies, mass displacement, rising rates of non-communicable diseases, growing mental health challenges, food insecurity, and the accelerating effects of climate change and environmental degradation. “These overlapping crises have severely strained health systems and limited access to essential healthcare services,” Dr Al-Awadhi said, emphasizing the need for a united and coordinated international response to mitigate the compounded impact on vulnerable populations.

Minister of Health Dr Ahmed Al-Awadhi delivers Kuwait’s statement before the World Health Assembly in Geneva.- KUNA

Touching on the situation in Palestine, the health minister expressed Kuwait’s deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian and health conditions in the Gaza Strip. He stressed the urgent need to ensure safe and unimpeded access to medical and humanitarian aid, particularly as civilians continue to face mounting casualties, widespread malnutrition, and critical shortages of medicine and medical supplies, especially affecting the elderly, women and children.

Dr Al-Awadhi welcomed the recent adoption of the International Convention on Pandemic Preparedness and Response by the UN General Assembly, describing it as a “pivotal step” toward strengthening global health security. He called for implementation mechanisms rooted in solidarity and equitable access to health services, with special consideration for developing nations and regions grappling with long-term crises.

Domestically, the minister noted that Kuwait continues to advance its national health strategies aimed at achieving universal health coverage and enhancing the resilience of its healthcare system. Particular focus, he said, is placed on combating non-communicable diseases, including obesity and diabetes, as well as expanding mental and oral health services. He also highlighted Kuwait’s efforts to bolster immunization coverage, address antimicrobial resistance, and strengthen policies promoting environmental health and nutrition, especially for mothers, infants and young children.

Addressing the financial challenges currently facing the World Health Organization, Dr Al-Awadhi voiced Kuwait’s concern over the potential impact on the organization’s technical programs and its capacity to support countries affected by conflict and instability. He reiterated Kuwait’s call for “sustainable, flexible, and predictable” funding to ensure the WHO can continue fulfilling its vital role in responding to global health emergencies.

In closing, the minister expressed appreciation for the dedication of WHO staff worldwide and reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to close collaboration with the organization and fellow member states. He emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral, regional, and international cooperation in support of the Sustainable Development Goals and in building fairer, stronger global health systems. — KUNA