KUWAIT CITY, Jan 11: Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi emphasized that investing in infection control programs is the most prudent and effective approach to reducing healthcare-associated infections, improving clinical outcomes, easing the economic burden on the healthcare system, and strengthening public trust in health institutions.

The minister made the remarks in his opening address at the Second International Conference on Infection Prevention and Control, jointly organized by Al-Mowasat New Hospital and the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control on Sunday.

Minister Al-Awadhi described infection prevention and control as the cornerstone of quality healthcare, the primary guarantee of patient safety, and a key measure of a nation’s health system efficiency. He highlighted its role in combating antimicrobial resistance, noting, “Every infection we successfully prevent is truly a victory achieved by reducing antibiotic use and blocking the emergence and spread of resistant strains.”

He added that Kuwait has established national indicators to track progress toward 2030, embracing the One Health concept, which links human health and environmental safety. “Irrational use of antibiotics and failure to implement infection control measures require high-level coordination across sectors,” he said. The minister also praised the country’s achievements, noting that all government hospitals are now part of the World Health Organization’s global surveillance system, led by the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control.

Dr. Al-Awadhi highlighted the collaboration between the Kuwait Center and Al-Mowasat New Hospital, announcing a national workshop in 2026 under the WHO-NET program to include private sector laboratories in global surveillance.

Speaking at the conference, Dr. Samer Abdullah, Medical Director of Al-Mowasat New Hospital, underscored the hospital’s commitment to reducing hospital-acquired infections and other microbial and viral infections, which can have serious complications, particularly after surgery. Dr. Abdullah noted that the hospital, Kuwait’s oldest private medical facility with a history of nearly 60 years, continues to provide high-quality care under the motto “Quality, Excellence, and Care for Generations.”

He reviewed the hospital’s achievements in preventing hospital-acquired infections, enhancing nursing performance through workshops and courses, and providing specialized services alongside general medical care to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.

The opening ceremony was attended by Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs Dr. Al-Mundhir Al-Hasawi, Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee and CEO of Al-Mowasat New Hospital Engineer Abdullah Al-Wazzan, and Dr. Hussein Al-Shammari representing the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control.