The 71st session of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean was inaugurated by the Minister of Public Health, H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, in an opening ceremony attended by esteemed Ministers and representatives from Member States in the region. The theme for this year’s session is “Health Beyond Borders: Action, Access, Equity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.” In her speech, H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari emphasized the importance of solidarity and fairness in improving healthcare services in the region, particularly in the face of conflicts, natural disasters, epidemics, and political unrest.
The Minister highlighted the lessons learned from epidemics like COVID-19, stressing the significance of global efforts and the pivotal role of the WHO in health protection. She reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s commitment to investing in global health and supporting programs that promote health and well-being. H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari also discussed Qatar’s initiatives in collaboration with the WHO, such as the ‘Sport for Health’ partnership and the recognition of all municipalities in Qatar as ‘Healthy Cities’ by the WHO.
Furthermore, the Minister announced the launch of the third National Health Strategy aimed at improving population health, health system efficiency, and excellence in service delivery. She also mentioned upcoming events such as the World Innovation Summit for Health and the WHO Mental Health Summit, which will address pressing global health challenges. H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari called for intensified efforts to address the humanitarian tragedy in Palestine and Lebanon and highlighted the ongoing health challenges faced by the Eastern Mediterranean Region, such as emergencies, conflicts, and the polio outbreak.
The opening ceremony featured speeches from health officials and experts, including Dr Ali Haji Abubakar, Minister of Health of Somalia, and Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The event also honored winners of the State of Kuwait Award for Combating Cancer, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Diabetes. The Regional Committee plays a crucial role in formulating regional policies and overseeing WHO activities in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, bringing together stakeholders to address public health issues for the regional vision of “All for Health, Health for All”.
Overall, the 71st session of the WHO’s Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean highlighted the importance of collaboration, solidarity, and equity in improving healthcare services and addressing health challenges in the region. The Minister of Public Health, H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, emphasized the need for global efforts and support for programs that promote health and well-being, underscoring Qatar’s commitment to investing in global health and supporting the WHO. As the session progresses, discussions and initiatives are expected to lead to improved health outcomes and greater health equity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and beyond.
