Kuwait joins global medical regulators, launches winter vaccination drive
Membership in IAMRA strengthens health governance as MoH rolls out 10th seasonal campaign
KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait (MNTV) — Kuwait has officially joined the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA), marking a significant step in advancing its global role in health governance and aligning with the country’s Vision 2035 strategy, the Medical Liability Authority (MLA) announced.
MLA President Dr. Salman Al-Sabah described the move as a milestone in Kuwait’s medical regulation efforts, noting that membership will allow the country to exchange expertise with international bodies, strengthen oversight, and implement policies that safeguard patient rights while supporting healthcare professionals.
He emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to translating global best practices into national legislation to enhance the quality of healthcare services.
IAMRA, established in 2000, is recognized as a leading authority in medical regulation. With Kuwait’s accession, the organization now counts 46 member states, offering a platform for international collaboration on legislative development and health policy.
Separately, the Ministry of Health launched its 10th annual seasonal vaccination campaign aimed at protecting the population against influenza and pneumococcal infections, diseases that typically intensify between October and March. The initiative is part of a long-term public health strategy to curb seasonal illnesses.
According to MoH spokesman Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad, the program prioritizes vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, patients with chronic conditions, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
He said updated flu vaccines and a new pneumococcal vaccine covering 20 bacterial strains have been made available to protect against serious illnesses including pneumonia and meningitis.
This year, over 2.5 million vaccine doses have been distributed across more than 75 sites nationwide, including primary care centers and public hospitals, with 15 new vaccination points added to expand access.
Dr. Al-Sanad urged citizens and residents, especially high-risk groups, to take advantage of the free vaccines to protect themselves and strengthen community immunity.