KUWAIT CITY, April 22: In a statement released today, the Ministry of Health reiterated its dedication to regularly reassessing and updating the national immunization program in alignment with the latest scientific advancements, global epidemiological trends, and disease spread patterns.

The affirmation came during the inauguration of National Immunization Week, themed "Our Children are a Trust, Let Us Preserve It," featuring a series of educational and scientific initiatives targeting various segments of society throughout the week. Dr. Munther Al-Hassawi, the Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs, emphasized the significance of this event coinciding with World Immunization Week, commemorating fifty years since the inception of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) by the World Health Organization in 1974.

Dr. Al-Hassawi highlighted the comprehensive agenda of the week, including a scientific conference aimed at exploring cutting-edge developments in disease prevention through immunization and its pivotal role in mitigating the impact of severe infectious diseases on global health.

Reflecting on global immunization achievements, Dr. Al-Hassawi underscored milestones such as the eradication of smallpox in 1979 and significant strides in combating polio, with Kuwait registering its last polio case in 1986 following the introduction of the polio vaccine in 1963.

Moreover, he emphasized the substantial decline in infection rates for various diseases like measles, rubella, mumps, rotavirus, pneumonia, and meningitis since the reinforcement of Kuwait's immunization program with these vaccines.

Dr. Al-Hassawi acknowledged the collective efforts that led to overcoming the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing optimism about humanity's ability to resume normalcy post-pandemic.

The Ministry of Health's commitment to regular program review and adaptation underscores Kuwait's proactive approach to public health, ensuring the continuous enhancement of immunization efforts to safeguard the nation's well-being.