Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi stressed that infection prevention and control has become a critical gateway to confronting one of the most serious global threats to public health: antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing that the relationship between the two is complementary and inseparable.
His remarks came during the opening of the Second International Conference on Infection Prevention and Control on Sunday, jointly organized by Al-Mowasat New Hospital and the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control.
Al-Awadhi said that investing in infection control programs is the most prudent and effective approach, as they represent a strong protective barrier that reduces healthcare-associated infections, improves clinical outcomes, eases the economic burden on the health system, and strengthens public trust in health institutions, reports Al-Rai daily.
He explained that the conference is not merely a continuation of a scientific journey, but rather an embodiment of a firm belief that infection prevention and control has moved beyond being a set of technical procedures to become the cornerstone of quality healthcare, the primary guarantee of patient safety, and a key pillar in ensuring the sustainability of health systems.
He added that it has become an essential benchmark by which the advancement of nations and the efficiency of their health systems in protecting human life are measured.
The minister noted that every infection successfully prevented represents a victory in reducing antibiotic use and limiting the emergence and spread of resistant strains.
He highlighted that Kuwait has established clear national indicators to measure progress until 2030, adopting the One Health concept that links human health and environmental safety in a unified system. This approach recognizes that irrational antibiotic use and weak infection prevention measures are challenges that require strong coordination across sectors.
Al-Awadhi expressed pride in the tangible progress achieved, pointing out that all government hospitals in Kuwait have joined the World Health Organization’s global surveillance system.
He praised the pivotal role played by the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control in leading national efforts, unifying policies, and building capacities in both the public and private sectors.
For his part, Dr. Samer Abdullah, Medical Director of Al-Mowasat New Hospital, said the conference reflects the hospital’s and the wider medical community’s commitment to reducing hospital-acquired infections, as well as microbial and viral infections that can lead to serious complications, particularly after surgical procedures.
He added that Al-Mowasat places special importance on such scientific events, noting that it is the oldest private hospital in Kuwait, established around 60 years ago, and has continued since then to provide high-quality healthcare under the slogan: “Quality, Excellence and Care for Generations.”
