(Health): We manage Duchenne disease through an integrated system of awareness, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
Kuwait City, Sept 7 (KUNA) -- The official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanea, said on Monday that the ministry manages Duchenne muscular dystrophy through an integrated system encompassing awareness, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and continuous follow-up, tailored to the needs of each case and disease stage. He noted that the condition causes progressive muscle weakness and its signs typically appear during childhood.
In a press statement issued by the Ministry of Health, Dr. Al-Sanea explained that World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Day, observed annually on September 7, represents an important occasion to enhance awareness of this rare genetic disorder, highlight the needs of patients and their families, and underscore the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive healthcare.
He outlined that the care journey begins with identifying cases through outpatient clinics and conducting necessary tests to confirm the diagnosis, followed by referral to the Kuwait Center for Genetic Diseases, located in the Ghunaima Al-Ghanim Premature Babies and Genetics Building, to complete the assessment, prescribe appropriate treatment, and initiate specialized follow-up programs.
Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team comprising specialists in neuromuscular diseases, physical therapy and rehabilitation, cardiology, pulmonology, orthopedics, endocrinology, bone health, nutrition, and swallowing, alongside genetic counseling and psychological, social, and educational support.
He added that care plans include a comprehensive assessment at diagnosis and periodic follow-ups to monitor muscle strength, mobility, and treatment response, as well as regular checks on heart health, respiratory function, bone health, growth, and nutrition. Follow-up intensity is adjusted according to the patient’s progression and needs, aiming to preserve health, mobility, and independence as much as possible.
Regarding prevention, Dr. Al-Sanea clarified that the Kuwait Center for Genetic Diseases, in coordination with relevant technical departments and units in hospitals, collaborates to provide genetic counseling and testing for families at risk of transmitting the disease, including preimplantation genetic testing for medically suitable cases.
He affirmed that Kuwait provides modern, approved treatments for Duchenne patients, including gene therapy for eligible cases, based on rigorous evaluation and specialized follow-up, keeping pace with recent advances in the care of genetic and rare diseases.
Dr. Al-Sanea highlighted Kuwait’s pioneering role in raising global awareness of the disease, noting that during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Kuwait submitted a draft resolution to designate September 7 as World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Day. The resolution was sponsored by 128 countries before being adopted on November 29, 2023, and the observance began as part of United Nations days starting in 2024.
He stated that this initiative reflects Kuwait’s steadfast humanitarian approach and its commitment to supporting patients with rare diseases and their families, placing health and human rights issues among the priorities of international action.
Dr. Al-Sanea emphasized that awareness, early diagnosis, and regular follow-up are fundamental pillars for improving the quality of life of patients, adding that every individual with Duchenne muscular dystrophy deserves timely access to appropriate care and a comprehensive healthcare system that accompanies them and their families throughout all stages of their treatment journey. (End) M.N.M./A.N.D.
