Latest news with #HealthPromotionDepartment
Arab Times
12-06-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait health official urges global action against drug addiction
KUWAIT CITY, June 12: Dr. Abeer Al-Bahou, Director of the Health Promotion Department at the Ministry of Health, affirmed that drug abuse remains a complex and pressing global challenge, affecting millions of lives and demanding coordinated international efforts to confront organized smuggling networks. Her remarks came during the launch of a national awareness campaign held Thursday at Jaber Hospital, coinciding with the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The campaign will run through the end of June and targets youth and adolescents in particular, aiming to prevent addiction and promote healthy, informed choices. Dr. Al-Bahou noted that this year's campaign is being held under the theme: 'The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention to Break the Cycle.' The slogan underscores the critical need to support communities, provide effective health care, and strengthen global solidarity in the fight against drug abuse and illegal trafficking. She stressed that addressing the far-reaching and complex impact of drugs requires adopting a scientifically grounded approach focused on prevention and treatment. Effective anti-drug policies, she emphasized, must be rooted in evidence, research, human rights, empathy, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health consequences of addiction. Dr. Al-Bahou further highlighted the growing global threat posed by the rising production of synthetic drugs and the psychological crises often linked to addiction. These developments, she said, necessitate greater integration between mental health services and addiction treatment. She also called for raising public awareness of the dangers posed by synthetic and digital drugs, while emphasizing the need to strengthen forensic capabilities, improve detection of emerging substances, enforce legal measures, and intensify international and regional cooperation. This includes information sharing and coordinated raids to dismantle transnational smuggling operations. The campaign reflects Kuwait's ongoing commitment to addressing drug abuse through education, policy, and public health intervention, while aligning with global efforts to combat the illicit drug trade.
Qatar Tribune
31-05-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Health ministry intensifies awareness of tobacco consumption
DOHA: The Ministry of Public Health has announced intensified awareness-raising campaigns on the dangers of tobacco consumption, coinciding with World No Tobacco Day, which this year aims to raise awareness of the deceptive methods used by the tobacco industry to make nicotine and tobacco products attractive. Dr Salah Al Yafei, Director of the Health Promotion Department at the Ministry of Public Health, said that all forms of tobacco use are harmful, and that manipulating the appearance of tobacco and nicotine products by adding flavors and other agents that alter their smell, taste, or appearance is no less harmful than traditional tobacco or cigarettes and poses serious health risks. He added that the Ministry of Public Health aims, through its awareness-raising efforts, to protect members of society, especially young people, from the dangers of tobacco and its derivatives. He pointed out that the Ministry has taken several important and influential measures to combat tobacco use, most notably the implementation of Law No. 10 of 2016 on the Control of Tobacco and Its Derivatives and raising awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco products. He explained that smoking cessation clinics are available at Hamad Medical Corporation and Primary Health Care Corporation to provide appropriate treatment for smokers and encourage tobacco users to quit. For its part, Hamad Medical Corporation affirmed its commitment to supporting the health and safety of community members by providing smoking cessation services in an effective and accessible manner. It called on all tobacco users to take the first step towards a smoke-free life. Dr Ahmed Al Mulla, Director of the Tobacco Control Center at Hamad Medical Corporation, a World Health Organization-accredited center, said that World No Tobacco Day is an important opportunity to highlight the dangers of tobacco use and the importance of providing support to users to quit. He added that tobacco use remains a prominent public health challenge in Qatar. Although tobacco use prevalence rates have declined, continued efforts to combat smoking remain essential. He pointed out that statistics show that approximately 25% of adults in Qatar use tobacco products, highlighting the need for effective and accessible smoking cessation services. He emphasized that the risks of tobacco use are not limited to traditional cigarettes, but include other types of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, vaping devices, heated tobacco products, nicotine pouches, smokeless tobacco (chewable tobacco products or tobacco powder), and hookah. Hamad Medical Corporation's smoking cessation clinics play a vital role in assisting individuals who wish to quit smoking. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including individual counseling that provides specialized support from smoking cessation specialists tailored to each individual's individual needs. The clinics also provide medical assessments to evaluate health conditions and the effects of tobacco use, nicotine replacement therapy by providing products such as patches and others to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and drug therapy by prescribing non-nicotine medications when needed to support the smoking cessation process. In addition to providing ongoing support and follow-up, and providing health education resources, we continue to encourage the person trying to quit smoking and help them maintain a tobacco-free lifestyle. Individuals wishing to quit tobacco use can contact Hamad Medical Corporation's smoking cessation clinics by calling the 'Nasma'ak' service on 16060.
Sharjah 24
28-04-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
"Breastfeeding Friends" honours 30 mothers
The ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Engineer Khawla Abdulaziz Al Noman, Head of Breastfeeding Friends, members of the Board of Directors, members of the Mothers' Selection and Eligibility Committee, and a number of honoured mothers. The ceremony honoured 30 inspiring mothers from various backgrounds, in recognition of their contributions to the journey of exclusive breastfeeding for two years, or for overcoming health and social challenges, in addition to breastfeeding mothers. Sharjah.. a Child-Friendly City Her Excellency Engineer Khawla Al Noman emphasised that honouring expresses the association's appreciation for mothers' efforts in adopting the option of breastfeeding, which is fundamental to children's physical, psychological, and emotional health, and based on the Emirate of Sharjah's vision as a child-friendly city, the association seeks to realise this vision, extending its efforts to include various cities in the United Arab Emirates, in support of the UAE efforts to promote the concept of sustainable family care. Supporting Maternal and Child Health Al Noman noted that the celebration coincides with this year's World Health Day theme, 'Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures', highlighting the importance of supporting maternal and child health in building strong and sustainable societies. Al Noman expressed her deep gratitude to Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SCFA, and Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Honorary President of the Association, for their continuous support of motherhood and childhood and their pioneering initiatives in promoting family health. Inspiring Stories and Real-Life Experiences The ceremony featured inspiring stories and experiences of mothers who were able to overcome multiple challenges—from breastfeeding after facing difficulties and their own health conditions to dealing with premature babies—sending messages of strength and determination to all those present. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Mother's Medal and certificates of appreciation were distributed to mothers amid an atmosphere filled with pride and gratitude, affirming the Association's mission to highlight the role of mothers in raising healthy and well generations. Supporting Mothers and Promoting Community Health Breastfeeding Friends was established as one of the health-supporting associations affiliated with the Health Promotion Department. The Health Promotion Department at SCFA aims to spread the culture of breastfeeding, provide awareness and psychological support to mothers, and encourage them to make the natural choice in feeding their children. Raising Breastfeeding Rates The association seeks to raise breastfeeding rates in the community through training programmes, awareness campaigns, and direct support for mothers, believing that breastfeeding is the cornerstone of a healthier and more emotionally connected society. The association believes that "Supporting your natural choice" is not just a slogan, but an ongoing commitment to empowering mothers and promoting a culture of natural care that prioritises the health of the child and family.
