
Kuwait blood drive collects 742 units, surpassing last year
The increase reflects a growing awareness among the public of the importance of voluntary blood donation and greater participation across institutions and individuals, the ministry's Blood Transfusion Services Department said in a statement to KUNA on Monday.
The three-day campaign, held under the patronage and attendance of Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi, was organized to mark 35 years since Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. It aimed to honor the memory of Kuwait's fallen heroes and promote national unity. 'The strong turnout we saw this year reflects the growing public awareness of how critical blood donation is, and highlights the spirit of national solidarity and humanitarian action,' said Dr Reem Al-Radhwan, Director of the Blood Transfusion Services Department.
She emphasized that blood donations are a 'lifeline for patients and one of the noblest forms of voluntary giving,' adding that the campaign's success helped strengthen Kuwait's strategic stockpile of blood and its derivatives.
Al-Radhwan thanked Minister Al-Awadhi for his support and presence at the campaign, describing his role as key to its success and a symbol of the country's commitment to social responsibility and humanitarian values.
Speaking at the campaign's launch on Thursday, Minister Al-Awadhi said the event 'embodies a message of loyalty, giving, and remembrance of the heroic roles of Kuwait's martyrs who sacrificed their blood and lives for the homeland.' He added that it 'represents a national bond that brings together various government, military, civil and community organizations in a united humanitarian effort.'
Now in its tenth year, the campaign forms part of the Health Ministry's ongoing efforts to promote community partnership and reinforce the value of social solidarity. It aims to strengthen the culture of voluntary blood donation as a pillar of saving lives and a reflection of altruism and compassion. — KUNA
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Kuwait Times
6 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Cabinet reviews planned Mabarak Hospital upgrade, Ahmadi project
Communication Minister notes Kuwait tops global tech index for second year KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Cabinet on Tuesday discussed key plans by the Ministry of Health to convert the Ahmadi health zone into a fully integrated medical city and expand Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, raising its operational efficiency as part of a broader push to improve the country's healthcare system. During its weekly meeting at Bayan Palace, chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Cabinet reviewed a detailed presentation by Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi and senior ministry officials outlining the ministry's future strategy. According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shereeda Abdullah Al-Mousherji, the presentation covered 'the transformation of the Ahmadi health area into a comprehensive medical city and the expansion and operational enhancement of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital,' along with ongoing efforts to recruit medical and technical personnel and address administrative and technical challenges. Dr Al-Awadhi emphasized the ministry's commitment to 'continuing the implementation of its strategic plan in partnership with relevant stakeholders to ensure the delivery of advanced and sustainable healthcare services.' The Cabinet praised the minister, his leadership team, and ministry staff for their efforts to improve service quality across hospitals and clinics, saying these steps reflect Kuwait's growing strength in the medical field. ICT milestone The Cabinet also took note of an Amiri decree (No. 149 of 2025) accepting the resignation of Finance Minister and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Noura Al-Fassam, and a second decree (No. 150 of 2025) appointing Dr Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem as Acting Minister in those roles in addition to his current post as Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy. In response, the Cabinet expressed its 'deep appreciation' to Al-Fassam for her dedicated service and wished her continued health and well-being. In another presentation, Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar and officials from the Central Agency for Information Technology showcased Kuwait's performance in global telecommunications and IT indices. Al-Omar highlighted that Kuwait ranked first globally in the ICT Development Index (IDI) for 2024, issued by the International Telecommunication Union—for the second year running. He said the achievement reflects Kuwait's strong digital infrastructure and leadership in adopting modern technologies. The Cabinet commended Al-Omar and relevant government bodies for driving forward the country's digital strategy, aiming to secure a 'progressive and sustainable digital future.' — KUNA


Arab Times
12 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait launches awareness campaign for World Breastfeeding Week
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 5: The Ministry of Health (MoH) has launched an awareness campaign in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, focusing on encouraging mothers to breastfeed and raising public awareness about its numerous health benefits. Dr. Hasnaa Ayyad, Director of the Nutrition and Feeding Department at the Ministry's Public Health Sector, highlighted in a press statement on Tuesday that the campaign will feature educational exhibitions and collaborations with various health entities, both governmental and non-governmental. The campaign will take place at key health facilities, including the New Maternity Hospital, Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital, and Al-Adan Hospital. Dr. Ayyad emphasized that the goal of the campaign is to inform the public about the vital role breastfeeding plays in both maternal and child health. The campaign will also underscore the importance of community support for breastfeeding mothers. A variety of educational materials, such as short awareness videos and field events, will be featured across different health institutions. "Breastfeeding is the ideal source of nutrition for infants," Dr. Ayyad stated. "It provides babies with essential nutrients and natural immunity, strengthens the bond between mother and child, and significantly lowers the risk of chronic diseases in mothers." The campaign also aims to raise awareness about the critical role health institutions and the community play in supporting breastfeeding, encouraging sound health practices, and fostering a healthier future generation. Dr. Ayyad called on all health agencies and institutions to participate in the campaign and to help spread awareness about the importance of breastfeeding. The Ministry has set a target to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life to 70 percent by 2030, in line with national health goals and the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). The Ministry's initiative reflects Kuwait's ongoing commitment to improving maternal and child health, ensuring a well-informed public, and working toward a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Kuwait Times
14 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait's Dasman Diabetes Institute adopts special strategy for treating diabetes
Dasman Diabetes Institute adopts special strategy for treating diabetes KUWAIT: Dasman Diabetes Institute has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to establish Kuwait's National Genome Project, which blended genetic data according to lifestyle and environmental factors that may lead to developing diseases namely diabetes. Dr. Faisal Al-Rifai, the center's Director General, explained the strategy in a press statement, noting that excerpts were published by the renowned journal, Genetics Review Nature. Dasman Institute's vision is distinguished with a method, different from the conventional genome projects, integrating the genetic information with living and ecological factors with such approach deepening understanding of complex diseases namely the second type of diabetes, Dr. Al-Rifai said. The institute has drawn up this strategy after a series of workshops, conferences, specialized initiatives namely the precision medicine workshop that had been held in coordination with American academies. Dr. Al-Rifai underscored the high significance of the institute effort at this level amid hike of diabetic and obese cases in Kuwait, mentioning aggravating non-genetic factors such as the hard climatic conditions and pollution. The institute conducts scientific researches, works out innovative programs, provides comprehensive education for improving life of the patients and stem spread of the disease in the country. — KUNA