KUWAIT: Head of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Al Babtain Burns and Plastic Surgery Center Dr Mohammed Khalaf emphasized that the Second Kuwait Conference for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery serves as a strategic milestone in reinforcing Kuwait’s leadership in plastic and reconstructive surgery at both regional and international levels. He noted that the event reflects the ministry of health’s commitment to enhancing healthcare quality and developing national medical talent.

Dr Khalaf, who also chairs the conference, said in a press statement on Tuesday that the event, which kicks off this Thursday under the patronage of Minister of Health Dr Ahmed Al-Awadhi, is being held in cooperation with the Kuwait Surgeons Association and features international participation. The conference will showcase the latest advancements in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

This year’s edition includes the inaugural conferences of both the Association of Facial Surgery and the Association of Microscopic Surgery, which Dr Khalaf said will promote scientific integration and broaden the range of participating specialties. He said that the conference aims to facilitate the exchange of expertise among leading surgeons from Kuwait and around the world, and to highlight the latest innovations in reconstructive and aesthetic procedures — particularly in treating congenital deformities and complex surgical cases — ultimately contributing to improved healthcare services.

The scientific program, Khalaf added, will be diverse and comprehensive, featuring five specialized workshops covering maxillofacial surgery, microscopic reconstruction, head and neck deformities, as well as breast and body reconstruction. He also highlighted the multidisciplinary nature of the event, with participation from fields such as dermatology, ENT, ophthalmology, urology and anesthesiology.

The conference will include advanced scientific lectures by experts from more than 10 countries, along with live surgical demonstrations and presentations of cutting-edge research. Dr Khalaf noted that the lineup includes 15 international experts, 19 speakers from Gulf Cooperation Council countries and 17 top surgeons from Kuwait. He stressed that the conference represents a strategic platform for training future generations of Kuwaiti surgeons and enhancing academic collaboration with internationally recognized universities and medical institutions, aligning with Kuwait’s national vision to advance specialized medical education and training. — KUNA

KUWAIT: As part of its ongoing mission to empower female cancer survivors, the Makin Club, affiliated with the National Cancer Awareness Campaign (CAN), recently held a health awareness lecture featuring specialized female doctors. This event aligns with the Makin Club’s goal to raise health literacy and promote the importance of continued care after the treatment journey.

Dr Iman Al-Shammari, Secretary of the CAN campaign and Chairperson of the Makin Club Committee, emphasized the critical importance of rebuilding the body and strengthening the immune system after cancer recovery. She highlighted the need to enhance the quality of life for recovering women by providing accurate health information from trusted specialists. Dr Al-Shammari noted that misinformation can cause unnecessary anxiety and fear, negatively impacting psychological health. To address this, the Makin Club employs a strategic approach, organizing activities, events, and initiatives developed by experts and implemented according to a clear timetable.

Dr Iman Al-Shammari

During the lecture, Dr Nada Al-Ibrahim, a specialist in obstetrics, gynecology, urogynecology, and pelvic reconstructive surgery, spoke on “Enhancing Your Health During and After Treatment.” Dr Noura Al-Ibrahim, a gynecological oncology specialist, followed with a presentation on cancer prevention, emphasizing women’s cancers and the crucial role of early screening, particularly for cervical cancer. The lectures focused on maintaining physical and psychological health throughout and after treatment stages, stressing that regular screenings can significantly reduce the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer.

Key topics included boosting the immune system through balanced nutrition, evidence-based vitamin use, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. The doctors also addressed managing early menopause caused by certain cancer treatments, offering solutions to alleviate symptoms like hot flashes through appropriate therapies and lifestyle adjustments.

The session was highly interactive, with many recovering women actively participating by asking questions about the health challenges they face during and after their treatment.

Concluding the event, the Makin Club announced a special outing for recovering women as part of its Counseling and Psychological Support Program. The “Renewed Spirit Trip” will take place at Al Khiran Mall on the evening of Monday, June 2, 2025. Due to limited seats, those interested are encouraged to register by calling 65072072.

KUWAIT: The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Kuwait hosted a reception to mark the Independence Day of Azerbaijan. During his opening remarks, Ambassador of Azerbaijan Emil Karimov praised the strong Azerbaijan-Kuwait ties that were initiated through meetings between Heydar Aliyev and the late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in the mid-1990s, hailing the 2009 official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Kuwait as a turning point, ushering in a new era of enhanced cooperation.

The ambassador highlighted recent diplomatic engagements, including the official visit of Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov to Kuwait in April 2025, during which the third meeting of the Joint Commission on Cooperation was convened. The visit included high-level meetings with HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait, and Abdullah Al-Yahya, Foreign Minister of Kuwait.

Ambassador Karimov commended the successful political consultations held in February 2025 between the Deputy Foreign Ministers of both countries, noting the growing momentum in bilateral and multilateral collaboration.

He underscored the strong and expanding ties in agriculture, tourism, and education, noting that over 31,000 Kuwaiti tourists visited Azerbaijan last year, extending a warm invitation to Kuwaiti nationals to explore Azerbaijan, facilitated by frequent direct flights.

During the event, the ambassador highlighted the historic significance of the day, commemorating the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on May 28, 1918, the first secular democratic republic in the Muslim world.

He indicated that despite a brief existence, the republic was recognized internationally, including at the 1920 Paris Peace Conference, and laid the foundation for Azerbaijan’s modern statehood.

Ambassador Karimov emphasized the importance of the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. He acknowledged the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who stabilized the country during a period of deep crisis in the early 1990s, setting Azerbaijan on a path of development and growth.

The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, and media representatives. At the closing, the Embassy offered cultural performances, traditional Azerbaijani cuisine, and displays reflecting the country’s rich heritage and contemporary achievements.