Kuwait has deported over 100 expatriates diagnosed with HIV following epidemiological investigations, as revealed by health officials during the annual AIDS and venereal diseases conference, which began on Thursday.
At the event, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al Awadhi, represented by Ministry Undersecretary Dr. Abdulrahman Al Mutairi, highlighted Kuwait’s leadership in tackling the AIDS epidemic. The country has successfully achieved the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets, identifying 90% of people living with HIV, ensuring they are aware of their status, and providing effective treatment to 90% of those diagnosed.
“Our next goal is achieving the 95-95-95 targets by 2025, in line with the National AIDS Strategy 2023-2027,” Dr. Al Awadhi announced. He noted ongoing efforts to expand voluntary testing and counseling services and introduce advanced treatments, including long-acting injections, to improve the quality of life for people living with AIDS.
The Ministry of Health has also opened a third clinic in the Ahmadi Health District, complementing existing facilities at the Public Health Department and Infectious Diseases Hospital. These clinics offer confidential testing and counseling and issued over 2,000 certificates confirming individuals’ HIV-free status in 2023.
Public health measures in Kuwait extend beyond treatment and prevention. Director of Public Health Dr. Fahd Al Ghamlas stated that deporting HIV-positive residents is part of maintaining community safety. “We investigated 165 cases among Kuwaiti nationals and over 100 cases among expatriates, completing all necessary procedures,” he said. Kuwait has also submitted its 2023 national AIDS report to the World Health Organization.
While Kuwait continues to advance its AIDS prevention and treatment efforts, officials stressed the need to combat stigma and misinformation about AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). “This is not only a health challenge but also a humanitarian and moral responsibility,” Dr. Al Awadhi emphasized, urging families, schools, and social institutions to play an active role in awareness campaigns.
The conference included sessions on cutting-edge diagnostic tools, antiviral therapies, and global prevention strategies. Workshops for educators and religious leaders aimed to promote a culture of prevention, particularly among youth.
“The fight against AIDS and STDs requires collective societal action, not just medical solutions,” said Dr. Osama Al Baqsami, Head of the Organizing Committee.
