The life and work of Dr. Kazem Behbehani, a distinguished researcher and international health expert, are a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and a deep commitment to advancing science and improving global health. From being awarded the Order of the British Empire the late Queen Elizabeth, to receiving the title “Best Researcher in Medicine” from KFAS, Dr. Kazem Behbahani stands as a beacon of inspiration for all Kuwaitis aspiring towards the advancement of scientific and all scholarly pursuits.
Born into one of the founding families of Kuwait, Behbehani pursued his medical education at the Universities of Kuwait, Liverpool, and London, ultimately earning a PhD in immunology in 1972.
Following his PhD, Dr. Behbahani embarked on a fruitful tenure as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the prestigious London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, as well as the renowned Mathilda and Terence Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, both situated in the heart of London.
In his lifetime, Behbehani attained a remarkable level of achievement that would be the envy of any scholar. His myriad accomplishments included authoring over 100 scientific publications and a seminal tome on science and technology. Here are some of his other achievements:
- Receiving the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Her Majesty, the late Queen Elizabeth for his services to UK/Kuwait Healthcare cooperation In 2016.
- Serving as the esteemed Programme Manager of Tropical Disease Research (TDR) and Director of both the Division of the Control of Tropical Diseases (1994–1998) and the Eastern Mediterranean Liaison Office (1998–2003) in Geneva.
- Becoming WHO envoy in 2005 and subsequently becoming an official candidate in the WHO Director-General election, where he succeeded in reaching the top 5 list.
- Receiving numerous awards and scientific recognitions, including the Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians recognition, an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Dundee, and the title of Honorary Professor at the Medical Research Institute.
- Receiving the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science's (KFAS) best Researcher in Medicine.
Following his recognition with the Order of the British Empire, His Highness, the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, graciously received the esteemed Dr. Kazem Behbehani. During their meeting, His Highness conveyed his heartfelt wishes for Dr. Behbehani's continued success and lauded him for his exceptional achievement. As the Amir's gracious commendation was a testament to Dr. Behbehani's distinguished career and his unwavering commitment to excellence in his field.
Dr. Kazem Behbehani's extraordinary career and his dedication to advance science and global health have not only left a lasting impact on countless lives worldwide but also illuminated Kuwait's role as a significant contributor to the field. His unwavering commitment to excellence and his many accomplishments serve as an inspiration to the Kuwaiti people, fostering a sense of pride and encouraging the nation's youth to pursue similar paths in scientific and scholarly pursuits. Dr. Behbehani's altruistic nature and passion for improving the human condition through scientific advancements and education highlight the potential of Kuwait and its citizens to make a meaningful difference on a global scale. As a prominent figure and role model, Dr. Behbehani's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of Kuwaiti scientists, healthcare professionals, and change-makers, who will build upon his work to create a healthier, more equitable world for all.