KUWAIT CITY, Feb 20: On Thursday, the Ministry of Health honored participants for their outstanding efforts within the "Schools that Promote Physical Activity" and "Societies that Support Health" initiatives. These initiatives are part of the "Combating Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases" project, which is included in the Kuwait Development Plan 2020-2025.

Dr. Nadia Al-Juma, Assistant Undersecretary for Health Care Affairs, delivered a speech on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity and the strengthened partnership between various sectors in addressing the significant health challenges posed by chronic non-communicable diseases. These diseases, which include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses, have become an increasing burden on health systems worldwide.

Dr. Al-Juma noted that chronic diseases are receiving global attention due to their association with serious health, social, and economic complications that can affect quality of life and hinder sustainable development. Since the first high-level United Nations meeting in September 2011 on the prevention and control of chronic diseases, the Ministry of Health has made this issue a top priority in its work, as well as within the national development plan and government programs.

She further explained that the initiatives, "Schools that Promote Physical Activity" and "Societies that Support Health," resulted from a strong community partnership. This partnership serves as one of the core pillars of the national strategy to combat chronic non-communicable diseases. It embodies a model of collaboration between various sectors to create a healthier, more prosperous, and productive society.

Dr. Al-Juma also highlighted the tangible progress made, which reflects the spirit of collective responsibility and a commitment to safeguarding the health of society, ensuring a brighter future for future generations.

In a similar speech, Dr. Hamoud Al-Zoubi, Director of the Department of Prevention and Control of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, stated that the aim of the project is to increase health awareness in society, encourage healthy lifestyles, and reduce the incidence of chronic diseases and related deaths. He emphasized that addressing public health challenges is not solely the responsibility of health authorities but requires collective action from various sectors.

Dr. Al-Zoubi underscored the pivotal roles of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Union of Societies, Cooperative Societies, and Kuwait University in spreading health awareness, particularly among students, who are seen as the future of the country.

The "Schools that Promote Physical Activity" initiative focuses on encouraging physical activity among students by creating a school environment that supports a healthy lifestyle. Meanwhile, the "Societies that Support Health" initiative works to combat chronic non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory conditions, and cancer. This initiative promotes community partnerships to achieve health development goals, raise health awareness, and provide necessary support to patients.