Environmental health relies heavily on active community participation, according to the Ministry of Health. Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi emphasized that public involvement in environmental sanitation raises awareness, reduces risks, and promotes behaviors that protect the community. He made these remarks during the opening of an awareness pavilion at Souq Al-Mubarakiya, organized by the Public Health Department. The pavilion is part of the national Environmental Sanitation campaign under the slogan “Prevention is Better than Crackdown.”
Dr Al-Awadhi highlighted that environmental debris and abandoned construction materials create breeding grounds for insects and rodents. Addressing these issues is critical to ensure a safe, healthy environment. In 2025, the Public Health Department conducted roughly 170,000 inspection visits to control rodents in various areas. These visits were guided by reports submitted through the “Salem” app or hotline 151.
Director of the Public Health Department, Dr Mona Al-Khabbaz, said the pavilion aims to raise awareness about environmental sanitation as a system that protects community health. She noted that improper waste disposal on sidewalks and vacant plots, as well as leaving food scraps for animals, promotes the spread of insects and rodents. These practices pose health risks and threaten environmental health.
Dr Fatima Al-Draiwesh, Head of the Medical Entomology and Rodent Control Section, emphasized that environmental sanitation is a shared responsibility among government bodies, communities, and individuals. She also explained that the culture of sanitation includes rationalizing resource use, reducing pollution, encouraging recycling, and protecting public health.
Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to make 2026 a turning point for cleaner environments, purer air, and more sustainable cities. The campaign will promote positive practices in schools, homes, and workplaces. Dr Al-Draiwesh stressed that a healthy environment forms the foundation for sustainable development, a strong economy, and a safe society. While encouraging public engagement, Kuwait aims to strengthen its environmental health standards and ensure a lasting impact on the community.
