KUWAIT CITY, Jan 11: Hawalli Governor Ali Al-Asfar emphasized on Friday the importance of intensifying efforts to improve all aspects of the environment, society, construction, and education that impact human health. He stressed the need to identify key priorities and set strategic goals to transform all areas of the governorate into integrated healthy cities.

This statement came after a meeting with a delegation from the World Health Organization (WHO) currently visiting Kuwait. The delegation included Dr. Samar Al-Faqih, Regional Advisor for Health Promotion and Social Determinants of Health for the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region; Dr. Mohammed Khashoggi, Head of the Healthy Cities Program in Saudi Arabia; Dr. Amal Al-Yahya, Head of the Healthy Cities Office at the Ministry of Health; and the Head and members of Al-Shaab Healthy City.

Al-Asfar praised the continuous efforts of the Healthy Cities Office at the Ministry of Health, as well as the strong cooperation with civil society institutions and volunteer teams. He affirmed the governorate’s full support for initiatives that benefit the areas and residents, highlighting a study aimed at transforming the Al-Shaab area into a healthy city.

He also commended the voluntary efforts of the teams and groups dedicated to the betterment of Kuwait, expressing gratitude for the contributions of the Healthy Cities Committee members. Their distinguished role has had a positive impact, leading to the inclusion of many cities in the Healthy Cities Network.

During the meeting, a visual presentation was given on Al-Shaab and other areas in Hawalli Governorate, discussing the concepts and requirements needed to transform these areas into fully healthy cities.

This visit aimed to evaluate the status of healthy cities in Kuwait and review the activities of coordinating committees in the various areas, ensuring that the plans and goals presented align with real-world conditions.

Dr. Al-Faqih had previously stated that the services provided by the State of Kuwait across various fields have helped the country meet the criteria for evaluating healthy cities. She noted that several components have contributed to overcoming the obstacles and meeting the standards required by the organization.