Doha, Qatar recently hosted a special session led by Minister of Public Health H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, focusing on the latest developments concerning emergencies in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The session included a review of critical health and humanitarian situations in the occupied Palestinian territories, ongoing emergencies across the region, and updates from the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB).
During the meeting, Dr Salih Ali Al Marri, Assistant Minister for Health Affairs, representing the State of Qatar, emphasized the urgent need to protect medical personnel and healthcare systems in countries affected by disasters and conflicts. He highlighted the essential role of healthcare workers in responding to humanitarian crises, despite facing dangerous conditions, threats, and shortages of resources.
Specifically, Dr Al Marri called attention to the challenges faced by hospitals and medical clinics in the occupied Palestinian territories due to blockades and repeated attacks. He mentioned the risks faced by doctors and nurses in providing healthcare amidst severe shortages of medicines and equipment, as well as the constant threat to their lives.
In addition to the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, Dr Al Marri also highlighted the dire conditions in Sudan and Yemen, where healthcare infrastructure has been destroyed, and access to medical care is crucial for survival. He also addressed the challenges faced by medical personnel in Lebanon, who are hindered from carrying out their vital work due to ongoing aggression.
The session underlined the importance of international cooperation and support in addressing the health and humanitarian crises in the region. Dr Al Marri stressed the need for increased protection of healthcare workers and infrastructure in conflict-affected areas, including providing essential resources and training to ensure the continuity of medical services.
In conclusion, the session led by the Minister of Public Health H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari emphasized the critical role of healthcare workers in responding to emergencies and saving lives in challenging circumstances. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for international support to address the healthcare challenges faced by countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region, particularly in conflict zones like the occupied Palestinian territories, Sudan, Yemen, and Lebanon.
