KUWAIT CITY, Sept 21: In a major move to enhance preventive healthcare and protect vulnerable segments of the population, Kuwait’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, has issued a ministerial decision approving the use of monoclonal antibodies and vaccinations to prevent Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The measure has been officially added to the country's schedule of optional preventive immunizations.

The Ministry of Health said in a statement that RSV is a seasonal virus, most commonly spreading in the fall and winter months, and is known to cause serious respiratory infections. The virus poses heightened risks to infants, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

Scientific studies have demonstrated the vaccine’s effectiveness in reducing hospitalizations and curbing the spread of the virus, the ministry added. It further highlighted that Kuwait is the first country in the Middle East to provide monoclonal antibodies for all newborns, in line with healthcare models followed by the United States, Europe, and Canada.

Under the new decision, monoclonal antibodies will be provided to infants and children up to two years of age who are considered high-risk, as well as to adults with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems.

The Ministry emphasized that the adoption of this immunization represents a key milestone in strengthening community immunity, reducing pressure on the healthcare system, and keeping pace with the latest global medical guidelines for the prevention of seasonal diseases.