In Video: Minister of Health: Raising Community Awareness of the Risks of Toxins in Terrestrial and Marine Environments

AbdulKarim Al-Abdullah: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi inaugurated the student awareness exhibition for the “Stay Aware” campaign, organized by students from the Faculties of Pharmacy and Medicine at Kuwait University in collaboration with the Kuwait Poison Control Center, at The Avenues Mall.

Minister Al-Awadi stressed the importance of raising community awareness about the dangers of toxins present in both terrestrial and marine environments, which humans may encounter, as well as the risks posed by medications accessible to children within homes that can cause health harm. He clarified that the Ministry of Health’s participation in the exhibition’s opening stems from its commitment to supporting and backing future scientists and physicians in educating society about the dangers of toxins, highlighting the significant role played by the Kuwait Poison Control Center in this field.

For his part, Dr. AbdulLatif Al-Awami, Head of the Kuwait Poison Control Center and President of the Kuwait Toxicology Association, stated that the campaign aims to raise community awareness about the dangers of toxins and preventive measures, as well as to educate the public on how to manage and treat poisoning cases when they occur at home. He explained that the campaign has addressed several awareness topics, including snake and scorpion venom, poisonous plants, medications, and cosmetic products.

He noted that the Kuwait Poison Control Center specializes in providing advice, treatment plans, and follow-up care for poisoning cases resulting from medications, fumes, chemicals, or snake and scorpion bites, in addition to monitoring toxic substances in coordination with relevant government authorities.

For his part, General Secretary of the Kuwait Pharmaceutical Association, Faisal Al-Anzi, affirmed that the Kuwait Poison Control Center is a vital center under the Ministry of Health, providing services to all hospitals and governorates in Kuwait, and playing a pivotal role in managing poisoning cases and offering specialized medical consultations. He clarified that the Association’s participation in this initiative stems from its social responsibility, in collaboration with members of the Poison Control Center and students and faculty members of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Kuwait University, with the aim of raising awareness among community members about various types of toxins, preventive methods, and proper handling of exposure cases. He added that awareness represents the first line of defense in protecting society from the dangers of toxins and narcotics, and in mitigating their health and social impacts.

On his part, General Coordinator of the “Stay Aware” campaign, Yousef Bahman, stated that under the direct patronage of Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi, with direct supervision from the Poison Prevention Center under the Ministry of Health, and with support from the Kuwait Pharmaceutical and Medical Associations, a group of students from the Faculties of Pharmacy and Medicine organizes the annual “Stay Aware” awareness campaign at The Avenues Mall. The campaign aims to protect society and enhance individual and community health awareness as a primary protective barrier against health risks.

He added: “The importance of the ‘Stay Aware’ campaign stems from the diversity and multiplicity of toxin risks in our daily lives. The campaign aims to shed light on these risks in all their forms, whether obvious and apparent or hidden and concealed, both inside and outside homes, and to inform the public about their various sources and how to properly and promptly handle poisoning cases to ensure everyone’s safety.”