Kuwait city: Community participation in environmental sanitation plays a vital role in raising awareness, reducing environmental risks, and sending positive messages through responsible behavior that enhances public health security, stated Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi. Dr. Al-Awadhi made these remarks during the inauguration of an awareness pavilion organized by the Public Health Department at the Ministry of Health at Al-Mubarakiya Market, under the slogan "Prevention Is Better Than Control," as part of the Environmental Sanitation Campaign.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Dr. Al-Awadhi noted that one of the main challenges facing environmental sanitation is the accumulation of construction debris and demolition waste, which often remains for long periods, leading to the spread of insects and rodents. He stressed the need to combat these hazards to ensure a safe and healthy community. During 2025, the Public Health Department conducted approximately 170,000 field inspection missions to control rodents in various locations, aiming to reduce the negative impact of environmental waste that contributes to the spread of insects and rodents, he added. These efforts were conducted in response to reports submitted through the "Salem" application or via the hotline number 151.
In turn, Director of the Public Health Department Dr. Mona Al-Khabbaz highlighted that the pavilion aims to underscore the importance of environmental sanitation as an integrated system designed to protect public health by reducing environmental risks. She mentioned that the campaign focuses on waste safety, noting that improper disposal of garbage and waste on sidewalks and open areas near homes, or leaving food leftovers to feed animals, creates environments that encourage the spread of insects and rodents, posing health risks to the community.
Meanwhile, Head of the Medical Insect and Rodent Control Section, Director of the Rodent Control Project, and Deputy Chair of the Environmental Sanitation Committee Dr. Fatima Al-Darwish stated that environmental sanitation is a shared responsibility among official bodies, the community, and individuals. The concept involves rationalizing resource consumption, reducing pollution, promoting recycling, and protecting human health. Dr. Al-Darwish emphasized that a healthy environment is the foundation of sustainable development, a prosperous economy, and a resilient society.