Kuwait strengthens public health and safety with first-ever training course on CBRN medical preparedness and response

The risks associated with Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) materials are substantial due to their potential for widespread harm. Accidental releases, deliberate attacks, or natural disasters involving CBRN agents can result in contamination, public health crises, and environmental damage. These materials, when mishandled, can cause severe illness, injury, and even death. This makes CBRN medical response crucial, as it ensures preparedness and swift intervention in the event of such incidents. Effective medical responses help mitigate the harmful effects on affected populations, reduce fatalities, and facilitate recovery efforts, thus safeguarding both public health and safety.

CBRN emergency medicine Master Trainers deliver first national training course 

To enhance medical preparedness and response capabilities to CBRN incidents, the Ministry of Health of the State of Kuwait, with the support of the EU CBRN CoE Regional Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council, successfully organized the first ever three-day training course on “Medical Preparedness and Response to CBRN Emergencies.” The event was held from February 4-6, 2025, at the Institute of Medical Specialties.

The training brought together approximately 30 participants, including first responders from the Ministry of Health who are directly responsible for managing casualties in the event of CBRN emergencies. The skills acquired during this course are set to significantly raise medical preparedness at the national level.

Participants were trained by Master Trainers who participated in the Train-The-Trainers events implemented during the first phase of the EU CBRN CoE Project 82, focusing on “Capacity Building for Medical Preparedness and Response to CBRN Incidents.”

The course sought to build awareness on the early recognition of events caused by CBRN agents, as well as to teach the key CBRN principles, the nature of emergencies caused by CBRN incidents, principles of primary and secondary site management during a CBRN event and the different types of decontamination and the management of exposed people. Additionally, it provided hands-on practice on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), doning and dofing at the incident scene. 

The lead national instructors designed a comprehensive training program that was well-received by the participants. Despite varying skill levels, the course content effectively enhanced participants' general knowledge and basic skills in CBRN incident management. The participants engaged enthusiastically, demonstrating a keen interest in advancing their preparedness in this field.

“A crucial step in strengthening national capacity to respond to CBRN emergencies”

A scenario exercise highlighted the key aspects for efficient CBRN response planning and coordination at the national level regarding the division of responsibilities and leadership during an incident.

“The training course is a crucial step in strengthening the country’s national capacity to respond to CBRN emergencies. The collaboration with the EU CBRN CoE and the expertise shared by international and regional experts equipped the master trainers with the expertise and skills to put together this first ever national training course to effectively manage CBRN medical emergencies”.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Al-Mundhir Al-Hasawi, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs at the Ministry of Health.

Ms. Heba Mariey, Regional Coordinator for the EU CBRN CoE GCC Regional Secretariat, congratulated the Ministry of Health and the Radiation Protection Department for organizing and hosting this important training course, which is a milestone in national and regional efforts to mitigate risks associated with radiological and nuclear threats and enhance regional and global security.

Kuwait: an active partner country of the Gulf Cooperation Council

Kuwait officially joined the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative in 2018 as an active partner country of the initiative’s Regional Secretariat for the Gulf Cooperation Council Region (GCC). The country played a significant role in the development of the project roadmap for Project 82 on Capacity Building for Medical Preparedness and Response to CBRN Incidents, as well as in the enhancement of cooperation with the GCC Emergency Management Agency (EMC).

The CoE GCC Regional Secretariat is also a close partner with the Kuwait Fire Service Directorate and has in the past been invited regularly to attend the annual Shamil Holistic Exercises held in Kuwait to demonstrate the country's ability for multi-agency cooperation in disaster management with varying themes, including CBRN scenarios.

To learn more about the EU CBRN CoE support to CBRN risk mitigation in the Gulf Cooperation Countries, visit the Regional Secretariat page