KUWAIT CITY, April 20: Under the theme "Our children are a trust, let us preserve it," the public health sector of the Ministry of Health is set to kick off the activities of World Immunization Week next Monday, alongside an enlightening meeting for public health doctors and primary healthcare practitioners.

In a press statement, the Ministry of Health affirmed that World Immunization Week serves as a crucial platform to underscore the significance of vaccines in safeguarding individuals of all ages against numerous diseases. It emphasized the aim of the week to shield children and adults alike from preventable illnesses through vaccination.

The upcoming World Immunization Week will witness a series of awareness-raising events and educational sessions, to be organized and conducted in hospitals and primary healthcare centers. These initiatives aim to spotlight the importance of vaccines and promote their utilization in protecting people across all age groups from various diseases.

It's worth noting that World Immunization Week is commemorated annually during the last week of April, with a focus on advocating for the widespread use of vaccines to ensure the health and well-being of individuals worldwide. This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) is observing World Immunization Week 2024 from April 24 to 30, under the slogan "Long Life for All."

In a statement, the WHO emphasized the objective of this year's campaign to rally policymakers, stakeholders, and communities in the realm of immunization to raise awareness about the critical role of vaccination in disease prevention and life-saving endeavors. The organization highlighted the current campaign's timeliness, particularly in light of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which have hampered routine immunization efforts and impeded progress made over the past decade.

The statement further underscored the importance of vaccines for individuals of all ages, stressing that vaccination remains vital even beyond childhood. Amid the pandemic, the significance of vaccinating high-risk populations, including the elderly, healthcare workers, and those with underlying health conditions, has been emphasized.

In another significant development, the Supreme Committee of the World Congress of Dermatology, convened in San Diego, has appointed Dr. Mohammed Al-Otaibi, Head of the Dermatology Department at Jahra Hospital, as an ambassador for the conference and representative of the Middle East and Africa.

Expressing gratitude for his selection, Dr. Al-Otaibi extended his appreciation to the organizing committee for the global conference, acknowledging the honor bestowed upon him to represent Kuwait in international forums and conferences.

The World Dermatology Congress, slated for June 2027 in Mexico, stands as a testament to Kuwait's contributions to the global healthcare landscape.