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Ministry concludes nationwide anti-drug awareness campaign
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
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
Crown Prince, Starmer exchange calls • Coast Guard discusses security with UK official
KUWAIT: Kuwait and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their strong bilateral relations in a series of high-level discussions this week, covering diplomacy, regional security, and maritime cooperation. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received a telephone call on Wednesday from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to review the “distinguished and close” relations between the two countries and explore ways to further enhance them.
Prime Minister Starmer wished His Highness continued health and wellbeing, and expressed hopes for Kuwait’s ongoing progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. In response, the Crown Prince thanked the Prime Minister, describing the communication as a reflection of the “deep and solid” ties between the two friendly nations. He emphasized the shared commitment to further strengthen historical relations and expand cooperation across all fields, wishing continued prosperity to the UK and its people.
According to a statement from the UK foreign affairs department, the Prime Minister said the UK would work with close allies including Kuwait to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. The Prime Minister added that he felt a strong sense of responsibility that this plan delivered an end to the fighting in Gaza and a long-term pathway to peace.
His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting of the the Supreme Defense Council.
In parallel developments, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Defense Council, presided over a meeting of the council at Bayan Palace to review key regional developments and recent international affairs.
On the security front, Kuwait’s Coast Guard Director-General, Commodore Mubarak Ali Al-Sabah met with the UK’s Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren to discuss shared security interests and ways to enhance cooperation. The meeting took place at Sabah Al-Ahmad Coast Guard Base and included senior Coast Guard officials.
During the visit, Commodore Mubarak Al-Sabah highlighted the “historical depth” of Kuwait-UK relations and the ongoing development of military and security cooperation. Admiral Ahlgren was briefed on recent updates at the Coast Guard, including the new coastal monitoring system and the integration of naval drones into Kuwait’s maritime fleet. The visit underlined both countries’ shared commitment to strategic cooperation in security and maritime domains, aiming to strengthen regional stability and safeguard mutual interests. — Agencies
ALULA, Saudi Arabia: Representing His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah stressed Wednesday that Kuwait’s participation in Munich Security Conference (MSC) Leaders Meeting, reflects commitment to regional dialogue and cooperation.
In remarks to KUNA, on the sidelines of the meeting in AlUla city, Sheikh Fahad condemned Israeli aggression against Qatar and Gaza as a violation of international law, emphasizing that the assault posed a direct threat to Gulf collective security and broader regional stability, urging urgent international attention.
He noted that the meeting provided a vital platform to discuss pressing global and regional security challenges, particularly the escalating conflicts and humanitarian tragedies in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, where participants agreed sustainable security remains impossible amid ongoing Israeli aggression.
He warned of grave consequences from escalating conflicts caused by Israeli occupation’s aggression, stressing risks to Gulf stability, while noting deliberations also addressed maritime and energy security, non-proliferation, food and water security, economic challenges, and shared transnational threats facing the international community.Reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment under its current presidency of the GCC, Sheikh Fahad stressed the importance of bolstering collective security, unifying Gulf positions, and strengthening regional and international partnerships, while praising Saudi Arabia’s warm hospitality and MSC’s role in organizing this vital meeting. — KUNA
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