KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health inaugurated the Fifth Conference on Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular and Gene Therapy for Children on Monday. The two-day conference is being held under the patronage of Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi and with the participation of a select group of international and regional experts.
Dr Abdullah Al-Fares, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Supporting Medical Services, stated in a speech delivered on behalf of the conference patron that this important scientific event reflects the State of Kuwait’s firm commitment to developing an advanced healthcare system and placing the well-being of children at the forefront of national priorities. Dr Al-Fares added that the field of cellular and gene therapies is witnessing rapid scientific advancements globally and has become a cornerstone of modern medicine, particularly in the treatment of hereditary blood disorders, immunodeficiency disorders and intractable tumors in children.
He noted that stem cell transplantation programs for children in the State of Kuwait have achieved numerous accomplishments, with approximately 97 transplant cases successfully completed through outstanding national efforts and in accordance with high international standards.
Participants at the fifth conference on stem cell transplantation and cellular and gene therapy for children on Monday.
This reflects the competence of the medical, nursing, and technical staff, in addition to the ongoing institutional support from the Ministry of Health. He explained that gene therapy represents a strategic priority in the coming phase, as intensive and serious efforts are being made at various levels to make it available within the country and to begin its application according to precise scientific and regulatory principles, ensuring the highest levels of safety and quality for sick children.
For her part, Dr Sundus Al-Shuraida, Head of the Conference and Head of the Department of Hematology, Pediatric Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, stated in a similar address that this conference is one of the most prominent specialized scientific platforms in the region. Dr Al-Shuraida added that the conference serves as a scientific destination that brings together a select group of regional and international experts to exchange the latest research findings in the fields of stem cell transplantation, cell therapy, and gene therapy, linking theoretical knowledge with clinical applications, which directly impacts improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
She explained that the conference’s scientific program includes more than 40 specialized lectures presented by over 35 international and regional speakers from leading reference centers and hospitals in Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. She explained that these lectures cover advanced topics, most notably the latest developments in CAR-T therapy for children, advances in T-cell manufacturing, cell therapies, recent innovations in gene therapy for genetic and immune diseases, stem cell transplantation strategies for non-malignant diseases, and the management of post-transplant complications and complex clinical cases.
She noted that the conference includes a series of specialized applied workshops aimed at developing practical skills and transferring expertise to enhance rapid diagnostic skills and medical simulation for children. — KUNA
