KUWAIT CITY, April 7: On Monday, Kuwait joined the global community in marking World Health Day under the theme "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures." This year's celebration coincides with the World Health Organization's (WHO) launch of a year-long campaign to raise awareness on maternal, newborn, and child health. The campaign aims to promote high-quality care for mothers and newborns and urges governments and the health community worldwide to strengthen efforts to reduce preventable deaths among mothers and infants, while enhancing healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth.

A recent WHO study highlighted the urgent need for action, revealing that approximately 300,000 women die annually due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Furthermore, over a million newborns die in their first month, with another million stillborn each year.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad, the Ministry of Health’s official spokesperson, emphasized Kuwait’s continued commitment to improving maternal and child health. He noted that the country is implementing comprehensive healthcare programs that provide medical care, nutrition, immunization, and awareness to mothers and children from pregnancy through early childhood. These efforts align with Kuwait’s Vision 2035, which aims to elevate healthcare standards and improve the quality of life for all citizens.

Dr. Al-Sanad further affirmed that the Ministry’s approach is consistent with the third Sustainable Development Goal, which stresses the importance of providing decent and healthy living for people at every stage of life. He also pointed out that the theme of World Health Day, "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures," is a call for global action to create an equitable healthcare environment for mothers and children, thus enhancing their chances of a healthier life.

Dr. Amal Kheder, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the Ministry of Health, also discussed the country’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare for women. She explained that Kuwait has been expanding its obstetrics and gynecology infrastructure, including the opening of new departments, clinics, and health centers dedicated to women's health.

Kuwait has integrated the latest technologies in surgery and artificial intelligence to enhance healthcare services, and the Ministry continuously trains staff to adapt to these innovations. Dr. Kheder also emphasized the importance of collaborating with international medical institutions to provide cutting-edge care and implement best practices in women’s health.

Among the key developments in women’s healthcare in Kuwait are the opening of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the new Farwaniya Hospital, equipped with state-of-the-art medical technologies and specialized units for comprehensive care. Additionally, the Obstetrics and Gynecology clinics at the new Maternity Hospital in the Sabah Health District are preparing for their full opening soon, offering a wide range of services including maternal-fetal medicine and women’s reproductive health.

Dr. Kheder also highlighted the upcoming opening of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the new Maternity and Children’s Hospital in Adan, which is designed to improve maternity and neonatal care services. The hospital is fully equipped with modern technologies and surgical tools to maintain women’s health, including a fertility unit.

These developments reflect Kuwait’s broader vision for improving healthcare access, increasing efficiency, and providing customized treatment plans for women at various stages of life. The Ministry of Health is also focused on advancing research, promoting early screening programs, and raising community awareness about maternal health, reproductive health education, and preventative care.

World Health Day, celebrated annually on April 7th, commemorates the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948. Each year, the WHO selects a theme that addresses a pressing global health issue. This year's theme underscores the importance of ensuring a healthy start for every individual, laying the foundation for a brighter and more hopeful future for all.