KUWAIT CITY, Nov 3: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi affirmed on Monday that the establishment of 66 therapeutic nutrition clinics across primary healthcare centers in various governorates underscores the Ministry’s commitment to promoting public health and preventing chronic diseases.

In his address at the opening of the forum and specialized workshop on therapeutic nutrition, titled “Nutrition and Digestive System Diseases,” organized by the Ministry’s Nutrition and Food Department, Dr. Al-Awadhi said the initiative aligns with national efforts to enhance community health and improve quality of life. The event was attended by Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health, Dr. Al-Mundhir Al-Hasawi, along with nutrition specialists and healthcare professionals.

Dr. Al-Awadhi explained that the workshop aims to strengthen scientific understanding of digestive system diseases and highlight the role of therapeutic nutrition in various stages of care and treatment. It also seeks to encourage the exchange of expertise and discussion of the latest research and applications to improve healthcare quality in Kuwait.

He emphasized that proper nutrition remains a cornerstone of disease prevention, particularly amid the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases linked to modern lifestyles. Addressing these challenges, he said, requires integrated efforts based on scientific evidence and cooperation among health disciplines.

Citing recent studies, Dr. Al-Awadhi pointed to obesity, low physical activity, poor dietary habits rich in processed foods, and tobacco use as key contributors to the growing health burden. He noted that these factors can be mitigated through evidence-based interventions, continuous awareness campaigns, and support for healthy behaviors.

The minister revealed that the Ministry has recently opened four new therapeutic nutrition clinics between April and September 2025, bringing the total to 66 clinics operating across all governorates. These clinics, he added, provide nutritional assessment services and individualized treatment plans for patients suffering from obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

He highlighted that the clinics also focus on nutritional education and lifestyle modification to promote sustainable, healthy choices. Treatment plans are based on scientifically proven dietary systems — such as the Mediterranean, DASH, low-calorie, and Portfolio diets — which are selected after a comprehensive evaluation of each patient’s condition.

Dr. Al-Awadhi reaffirmed the Ministry’s continued commitment to advancing therapeutic nutrition services and enhancing the role of proper nutrition in disease prevention and overall well-being.

Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi with participants at the conference.