Deputy Minister of Health: Kuwait Continues Efforts to Combat Genetic Diseases

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, Sheikh Dr. Salman Khalifa Al-Sabah, affirmed that the rapid advancement in the field of “precision pediatrics” and its applications represents a significant transformation in the pediatric care system, shifting from reading and understanding the genetic code to delivering more precise and tailored healthcare for each child. He noted that Kuwait is making continuous efforts to combat genetic diseases.

Speaking at the opening of the two-day conference titled “Precision Pediatrics: From Genomics to Care,” held at the Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, the Undersecretary stated that progress in this field enhances the healthcare system’s ability to achieve accurate diagnoses, particularly in rare and complex cases, as well as to select the most appropriate care and gain a deeper understanding of the needs of children and their families.

He emphasized that technology remains a means to serve humanity, improve care, safeguard children’s health, and enhance their quality of life. He commended the ongoing efforts of the State of Kuwait in addressing genetic diseases through the Kuwait Center for Genetic Diseases, established in 1979, which provides genetic counseling, specialized testing, and a newborn screening program in both public and private hospitals.

For his part, Dr. Abdullah Shamsa, President of the Kuwait Pediatric Society, stressed in a similar address the Society’s commitment to supporting continuing medical education pathways and developing medical practices to ensure the delivery of advanced, high-quality healthcare to children and their families within Kuwait and abroad.

Dr. Al-Sharhan stated that the rapid advancement in gene and targeted therapies opens broad horizons for treating many genetic and rare diseases that previously posed significant medical challenges.

She added that the importance of genetic testing and counseling extends to supporting families in understanding the likelihood of transmitting genetic diseases, helping them make informed and enlightened decisions regarding premarital screening and family planning, as well as enhancing opportunities for early detection and proactive prevention.