Strengthening Health Partnerships in Kuwait
The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, visited Kuwait from February 9 to 12, 2025. This visit aimed to enhance collaboration between WHO and various sectors in Kuwait, including health, investment, and civil society. Dr. Balkhy engaged with senior officials and leaders to discuss pressing health challenges and explore innovative solutions. The visit highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving health goals and improving health outcomes for all.
Collaboration with Civil Society Organizations
On February 10, 2025, Dr. Balkhy participated in a roundtable meeting with key civil society organizations in Kuwait. This event, held at UN House, aimed to strengthen collaboration between WHO and non-governmental actors. Leaders from health advocacy groups and humanitarian organizations gathered to discuss their critical role in addressing health challenges, especially during crises.
Dr. Balkhy emphasized the importance of civil society in humanitarian contexts. She stated, “In humanitarian contexts, civil society plays a critical role in bridging gaps and ensuring that health services reach the most vulnerable populations.” The discussions focused on improving access to healthcare for displaced populations and strengthening health systems to respond to emergencies.
Dr. Assad Hafeez, WHO Representative in Kuwait, highlighted the value of civil society contributions. He noted that these organizations bring essential community context and are vital for rapid humanitarian responses. The roundtable concluded with recommendations to enhance collaboration, including establishing regular communication platforms and joint capacity-building initiatives. This event underscored WHO’s commitment to leveraging partnerships to achieve universal health coverage and strengthen health resilience, particularly in crisis-affected areas.
Empowering Women in Health Leadership
On February 11, 2025, Dr. Balkhy met with women leaders from various sectors in Kuwait. This roundtable focused on the crucial role women play in advancing health outcomes. The discussions highlighted Kuwait’s achievements in empowering women and their contributions to health, education, and innovation.
Dr. Balkhy praised the progress made in Kuwait, stating, “Women in Kuwait are driving transformative change across sectors.” She emphasized that their contributions are essential for building resilient health systems and ensuring equity for future generations. Dr. Hafeez echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of sustaining momentum in empowering female leaders.
The roundtable included discussions on strengthening mentorship programs for aspiring female health leaders. Participants explored ways to enhance opportunities for women in scientific research and innovation. They also discussed promoting regional and international collaboration on gender and health issues. This engagement was part of a broader effort to strengthen cross-sectoral partnerships for health and well-being in Kuwait.
Fostering Innovation for Health and Well-Being
On February 12, 2025, the WHO office in Kuwait convened a roundtable discussion focused on bolstering the innovation ecosystem for health and well-being. Leaders from various sectors engaged with Dr. Balkhy to explore ways to leverage public-private partnerships and academic research to address emerging health challenges.
Dr. Balkhy highlighted the need for active participation from all stakeholders, stating, “An effective health innovation ecosystem requires the active participation of stakeholders, from academia to the private sector and civil society.” She praised the progress being made in Kuwait and encouraged innovators to get involved.
Dr. Hafeez noted that the growing innovation ecosystem in Kuwait reflects a broader interest in health innovation. He attributed this progress to good policies and invested leadership across sectors. The discussions emphasized opportunities to integrate innovation into health systems, encourage investment in digital health technologies, and enhance collaboration on research and development for noncommunicable diseases.
This roundtable aligned with WHO’s strategic priorities to foster innovation and strengthen universal health coverage. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the event aimed to build resilient health systems capable of addressing emergencies and public health risks effectively.
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