KUWAIT CITY, Nov 19:  Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi announced that Kuwait University has become the first health-promoting university in Kuwait. This recognition comes after Sabah Al-Salem University City received accreditation from the World Health Organization (WHO) as a "Healthy City."

Dr. Al-Awadhi made this statement during a ceremony held to present accreditation certificates to Sabah Al-Salem University City, as well as the areas of Dasma and Oyoun, for their designation as healthy cities. The event, hosted at Al-Dana Hall in Sabah Al-Salem City, was attended by Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Nader Al-Jalal, WHO Regional Director Dr. Asad Hafeez, and Acting Director of Kuwait University Dr. Osama Al-Saeed.

During the ceremony, Dr. Al-Awadhi highlighted that with the accreditation of Dasma and Oyoun, Kuwait now has seven healthy cities among the 18 regions registered in the WHO regional network. He expressed optimism that the number of accredited cities in Kuwait could reach ten by the end of the year, with Cordoba, Daiya, and Al-Shaab currently undergoing initial evaluations. He commended the efforts of Kuwait University and the Healthy Cities Office at the Ministry of Health for their dedication, which contributed to this significant achievement.

Dr. Al-Awadhi also shared his pride in the recognition from the WHO for the diligent work of those involved in the Healthy Cities Initiative, including governors and working committees in Dasma and Oyoun. He emphasized that their commitment to adhering to the organization’s standards had brought this milestone to fruition, elevating Kuwait’s status on the international stage.

Explaining the concept of healthy cities, Dr. Al-Awadhi stated that the initiative, launched by the WHO in 1986, seeks to enhance community health by fostering collaboration between government institutions and civil society to build effective partnerships for a healthier future.

WHO Regional Director Dr. Asad Hafeez also congratulated Sabah Al-Salem University City on its achievement. He praised the university's commitment to creating a healthy and prosperous community, describing it as a model of dedication to promoting health and well-being. Dr. Hafeez noted that during the accreditation evaluation, the university’s integration of health into its daily operations was evident, enhancing institutional success, improving the health of its students, staff, and workers, and fostering sustainability across environmental, social, and economic dimensions.

Dr. Hafeez elaborated that the concept of a “Healthy University” involves a holistic approach to health, aiming to create an educational environment that prioritizes well-being, sustainability, and public health. This is achieved through strong leadership, broad stakeholder engagement, and the integration of health-focused initiatives into organizational practices.

He further explained that the Healthy Cities Department at the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, introduced the concept of healthy universities in Sabah Al-Salem University City. Since its inception, numerous initiatives aligned with the Healthy Cities Program have been launched in the region, underscoring Kuwait’s commitment to health and well-being.

Dr. Hafeez commended Kuwait’s dedication to improving public health through robust cooperation among government bodies, academic institutions, and civil society. He emphasized that the “Healthy City” initiative addresses social determinants of health and equity, enhancing quality of life by investing in the environments where people live, work, and study.

Earlier, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Nader Al-Jalal described the accreditation of Sabah Al-Salem University City as a "Healthy City" by the WHO as a historic milestone for Kuwait University, reflecting the nation’s progress in health promotion and sustainability.