WHO data shows measles cases were in single digits in recent years, reflecting high vaccination rates
KUWAIT: Kuwait has successfully halted the active transmission of measles and rubella for 12 consecutive months, Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi said on Monday, citing confirmation from the World Health Organization.
Speaking at the opening of the Third Kuwait Public Health Conference, Al-Awadhi said the achievement reflects sustained high vaccination coverage and an effective, strengthened disease surveillance system.
Kuwait has reported single-digit measles cases in recent years, according to the latest available statistics from WHO. In 2024, seven cases were recorded, slightly higher than the six cases reported in 2023. In 2021, the total stood at three cases. Earlier years show wider fluctuations. Kuwait recorded 12 cases in 2019, a drop from 42 in 2018. The highest numbers in the dataset were reported in the mid-2010s, with 55 cases in 2014 and 62 in 2013. Overall, the data shows a long-term decline from the higher case counts seen a decade ago to consistently low numbers in recent years. The country reported one case of Rubella in 2024 after years of zero cases.
Dr Hamid Ghloum
HPPV vaccines
At the conference, Al-Awadhi said Kuwait has also expanded vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) to include people aged 9 to 45, in line with global guidelines aimed at preventing HPV-related cancers. He added that the Ministry of Health has broadened early screening services for breast cancer, cervical cancer and other diseases as part of its preventive health strategy.
As part of its preparedness to monitor infectious diseases and protect public health, Kuwait has adopted a comprehensive plan to upgrade health centres at land, sea and air border crossings, Al-Awadhi said. The ministry has also expanded “Tataman” clinics, which provide health advice and early screening. He noted that annual winter vaccination campaigns, along with maternal protection and infant health programs, continue to reduce seasonal illnesses and protect groups most vulnerable to health risks.
Conference organizing committee chair Dr Hamid Ghloum said the two-day conference highlights the latest developments in infectious diseases, epidemiology, health surveillance systems, emergency health response, chemical safety, vaccines, immunization programmes and antimicrobial resistance. Dr Ghloum said progress in public health depends on coordinated efforts, knowledge-sharing and joint work between health institutions, government bodies, academic organizations and regional and international partners.
He added that Kuwait has made significant advances in strengthening disease surveillance, prevention and control by developing modern digital systems, building qualified national cadres and activating regional partnerships, including cooperation with the Gulf Center for Disease Prevention and Control and international scientific institutions. — Agencies
