KUWAIT CITY, Oct 12: The First Gulf Pediatric Conference launched in Kuwait on Saturday, marking a pivotal step in regional medical collaboration, under the patronage of Kuwait’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, and Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Al-Budaiwi.

In his opening speech, Dr. Al-Awadhi described the three-day conference as the culmination of a long-standing path of constructive Gulf cooperation and a shared vision aimed at advancing pediatric healthcare services. He emphasized the event as a scientific platform that unites heads of pediatric associations from GCC countries, as well as experts, consultants, and academics from health institutions, universities, and research centers.

Featuring the participation of leading physicians and specialists from GCC nations alongside representatives from international medical institutions, the conference underscores a joint commitment to enhancing child health through unified national programs and the exchange of successful practices.

Al-Awadhi affirmed that Kuwait has long prioritized childhood healthcare, grounded in the belief that human development begins with investing in early childhood, and has consistently supported medical education, scientific research, and training.

He added that the conference serves as an opportunity to strengthen communication between regional experts, broaden academic and research partnerships, and initiate joint efforts aligned with the Gulf’s health and developmental objectives.

GCC Secretary General Jasem Al-Budaiwi echoed this sentiment, stating that the event marks a pioneering step on the Gulf’s healthcare journey and highlights the Council’s commitment to making children’s health a strategic investment in human capital and sustainable development.

Al-Budaiwi noted that GCC countries prioritize human health as a fundamental pillar of progress, supported by a robust healthcare infrastructure comprising approximately 863 hospitals and 3,400 health centers.

Citing Gulf Statistical Center figures, he revealed that by 2023, the number of children under 14 in GCC countries had reached 7.9 million, with an additional 2.2 million adolescents aged 15 to 19, making pediatric health a top strategic priority for member states.

He further highlighted that ongoing health programs and awareness campaigns across the Gulf have significantly improved health outcomes, contributing to a 45 percent reduction in infant mortality over the past five decades.

The GCC, he said, continues to implement targeted campaigns, such as "Breathe Aware" for respiratory diseases, alongside dedicated events, including Gulf Children’s Day, Gulf Vaccination Day, and Gulf Diabetes Week — initiatives designed to foster preventive healthcare behaviors.

Al-Budaiwi emphasized that Gulf health efforts are part of a broader integrated system under the GCC Health Strategy (2026–2030), which aims to develop infrastructure and ensure regional health security. He called on experts to explore rare pediatric diseases, enhance adolescent mental health care, and incorporate artificial intelligence into diagnosis and treatment. He also emphasized the importance of data sharing among regional health centers to strengthen evidence-based medical practices.

Dr. Sondus Al-Sharidah, President of the Kuwait Pediatric Association and Chairperson of the Conference Organizing Committee, said the conference focuses on three main themes: strengthening Gulf cooperation to standardize medical practices, fostering innovation to keep pace with global pediatric advances, and empowering young Gulf professionals — including doctors, nurses, and researchers — through workshops and training.

She noted that the conference includes 15 scientific sessions and 14 specialized workshops, featuring over 64 speakers from the Gulf, Europe, America, and Asia. The event, she added, is a vital opportunity to unify regional efforts in tackling the growing health challenges faced by children across the Gulf.