in the media

Dr. Chan's opening remarks at WHO Global Forum

nadeem alduaij — Tue, 03 May 2011 11:35:35 +0000

On April 27, 2011 Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, made a firm statement on the impending disaster related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This re-emphasizes the need for policy-makers to focus on these major health priorities that are leading causes of death and morbidity in much of the world.

High protein, low glycemic index diet best for weight control

nadeem alduaij — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:33:27 +0000

The largest diet study, European Diogenes, reveals that current diet recommendations are not sufficient to prevent weight gain. Of five diets tested in a cohort of over 900 families, the high protein and low glycemic index diet yielded the best results. This was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

World Health Report 2010 is out!

nadeem alduaij — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 04:50:18 +0000

The long-awaited World Health Report 2010 is now available for download on the WHO web site. This important edition focuses on the backbone of health systems, namely, health financing. High-income nations struggle with rising health care costs and with maintaining universal coverage while low and middle-income nations seek mechanisms that promote equity and basic coverage for their populations while juggling with budget limitations.

This report provides up-to-date evidence on various financing mechanisms used across the world and offers much-needed guidance for reformists engaged in the daunting task of improving their health financing systems to achieve better coverage, health status, financial risk protection, and customer satisfaction.

Read the report

Fast-food-loving Kuwaitis battle the bulge

nadeem alduaij — Sat, 08 May 2010 21:19:08 +0000

Kuwait City | CNN | May 6, 2010

In Kuwait, at family gatherings and social events, food is always at the top of the menu.

Friends meet at restaurants two or three times a week and if you don't want to go out, Western fast food chains like Burger King will deliver tasty, high-fat meals to your front door.

At family occasions, the more opulent the spread the greater the social status conferred. Tables groan under the weight of multi-course banquets laid on by competitive hostesses, often aided by maids.

But, in the oil-rich Gulf state where scorching summers keep people indoors, this appetite for excess is taking its toll. Kuwait is one of the fattest nations on earth -- and it is affecting people's health.

UAE University launches Global Health Institute

nadeem alduaij — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:40:26 +0000

Al Ain | The National | March 9, 2010

UAE University yesterday launched an institute to study some of the Middle East’s biggest health concerns, such as diabetes and road traumas.

The university launched the UAE Global Health Institute, which will be based at the university’s Al Ain campus, after evaluating the region’s needs at a health conference it hosted in January. It plans to hire an unspecified number of staff to carry out the research projects.

More info...

Kuwait to vaccinate 320,000 children

nadeem alduaij — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:03:33 +0000

Kuwait | AMEinfo.com | February 22, 2010

A national vaccination campaign will be launched in April by Kuwait's health ministry against measles, rubella and mumps for 320,000 children between one and seven years, KUNA has reported.

480,000 Saudis unable to access health services

nadeem alduaij — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:15:00 +0000

Saudi Arabia | ArabianBusiness.com | November 1, 2009

Saudi Arabia is failing to provide basic healthcare facilities to nearly half a million of its citizens, according to a new Ministry of Health report.

The study shows that more than 480,000 people across the kingdom are unable to access healthcare services.

KHI Vice-chair writes about health & human rights

nadeem alduaij — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:55:00 +0000

Kuwait | Arab Times | September 16, 2008

"ALL people are equal in human dignity and in public rights and duties before the law, without distinction to race, origin, language, or religion.” — Article 29, Kuwait Constitution 1962.

In July 2008, an expatriate was seen at one of the major Kuwaiti public hospitals for an emergent surgical procedure. Before proceeding with the lifesaving intervention, the patient was forced to undergo HIV testing. In August 2008, Kuwait stopped issuing visas to Ethiopians after three domestic workers tested positive for HIV. The workers were subsequently deported from the country.

KHI Chairman interviewed by Arab Times

nadeem alduaij — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:41:00 +0000

Kuwait | Arab Times | September 1, 2008

Women in Kuwait continue to face significant gender discrimination in all strata of the society and the prejudiced acts hinder their ability to attain important decision-making positions, says Dr Nadeem Al-Duaij.

Furthermore, major social injustices faced by women, include imbalanced marital laws, a persistent lack of regulations for domestic abuse, rape, sexual harassment, and a paucity of social support and services, he adds.

Al-Duaij is of the view that the major public health issues in Kuwait are the chronic diseases and that they create the biggest burden on the health system.

In an interview with the Arab Times, Al-Duaij spoke on a number of issues, including the problems plaguing the Kuwaiti health sector, the tense dynamics between the government and the parliament, the issue of bedouns, among others.

20% of firms in violation of labour laws

nadeem alduaij — Wed, 28 May 2008 19:14:00 +0000

Kuwait | ArabianBusiness.com | May 26, 2008

LABOUR CRACKDOWN: Almost 20% of all Kuwaiti private sector companies are in violation of labour laws for offences such as failing to pay workers and being physically abusive to staff, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour has revealed in a report.

A recent inspection of 3,775 companies by the government department revealed 668 workplace violations, including poor working conditions, unpaid salaries, fake work permits, theft and physical abuse, the Kuwait Times daily reported on Monday.

The report said the number of violations represented 17.7% of all private sector businesses.

The inspections found nearly 84% of firms (3,170) had failed to provide the proper protections to prevent work place accidents, and 32 companies did not provide basic work place protection gear including safety helmets.

More than 155 employers did not provide suitable accommodation for their staff and 177 labourers were working as beggars and car washers in violation of their work permits. Another 28 companies were not punctual in paying salaries to their employees.

According to the report, the Ministry of Labour started legal action against 278 firms for labour violations with the operations of one firm permanently stopped.

Expat workers, mainly from the Asian subcontinent, are estimated to account for 84.5% of the total labour force in Kuwait.

Earlier this week, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour said it was considering establishing a labour authority to measure the professional ability of labourers.

The authority would assess the labourer's technical abilities and if he fails to prove competency, the employer of the labourer will be obliged to repatriate the labourer back to their home country.

By Amy Glass