Ministry of Health Enhances Readiness of Nursing Staff in Preparation for Winter Season and Seasonal Respiratory Illnesses - Sarmad

(KUNA) – The Ministry of Health, represented by the Public Health Services Department in the Hawalli Health Region, held a specialized training program on Thursday to enhance the readiness and competence of nursing staff in prevention, awareness, and care for high-risk groups, as part of early preparations for the winter season and the anticipated rise in seasonal respiratory diseases and viruses.

In a press release, the Ministry stated that the program saw broad participation from nursing staff across various health institutions in the country, representing both the public and private sectors. The sessions covered key health challenges associated with the winter season, updates on respiratory disease prevention, and the importance of early preparedness and adherence to preventive measures.

The program reviewed the previous season’s experience and lessons learned, emphasizing the pivotal role of nursing staff in implementing prevention programs, raising health awareness, and ensuring timely delivery of preventive interventions to target groups.

It also discussed the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as one of the most prominent seasonal respiratory viruses, particularly among children at higher risk of complications. The program highlighted the experience with the use of monoclonal antibodies during the previous season and how its outcomes can inform the development of operational mechanisms and preparedness for the 2026–2027 season.

Dr. Mariam Mansouri, Head of the Public Health Services Department in the Hawalli Health Region, stressed the importance of strengthening the integration between public health policies and field practice, and continuing to build the capacity of health personnel to enhance the health system’s readiness for the winter season, prevent respiratory diseases, and reduce their complications and disease burden.