Qatar participated in the 17th meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee for the Council of Arab Health Ministers, held in Cairo, to prepare for the upcoming ministerial session in December 2025. Discussions centered on critical Arab health issues, including support for Palestine, leveraging diaspora healthcare professionals, and strengthening primary care systems. The meeting aimed to formulate recommendations for improving public health across the Arab region and address emerging challenges.
The delegation from Qatar was led by First Secretary at the Permanent Delegation of Qatar to the League of Arab States, Ali Hussein Al Jarhab. The committee’s work will directly inform the agenda and potential resolutions of the 63rd regular session of the Council of Arab Health Ministers and its Executive Office, scheduled for December 17-18, 2025.
Strengthening Arab Health Systems: Key Discussions
A primary focus of the meeting was bolstering the healthcare infrastructure in Palestine, a recurring concern for the Council of Arab Health Ministers. Participants explored avenues for increased medical aid, capacity building, and sustainable support for the Palestinian health sector. Additionally, the committee examined successful healthcare initiatives implemented by various Arab nations, seeking to identify best practices for wider adoption.
Leveraging Health Expertise from the Diaspora
The meeting dedicated significant time to a strategy concerning the utilization of healthcare professionals from Arab diaspora communities. The goal is to create a framework for attracting and integrating their skills and experience into the health systems of Arab countries, particularly as many nations face healthcare worker shortages. The strategy aims to be implemented by 2026 and extended through 2030.
Focus on Primary and Family Care
Developing robust primary healthcare and family medicine services was another key agenda item. Experts emphasized the importance of preventative care and early intervention in improving overall population health and reducing the burden on hospitals. The committee is working on a new plan for 2026-2030 to enhance these essential services.
The committee also addressed the public health implications of asylum and displacement within the Arab region, recognizing the unique vulnerabilities of these populations. Discussions included ensuring access to healthcare, mental health support, and disease prevention programs for refugees and internally displaced persons. This is particularly relevant given ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises in several Arab countries.
Reports from specialized bodies like the Arab Authority for Blood Transfusion Services and the Arab Board of Health Specialisations were reviewed, providing updates on regional progress and identifying areas needing further attention. The Arab Centre for Authorship and Translation of Health Science also presented its findings, highlighting the importance of knowledge sharing and research collaboration.
Beyond direct healthcare provision, the meeting considered broader socio-economic factors impacting health. Specifically, it followed up on resolutions from the Arab League Summit regarding investment in health human resources and the Economic and Social Council’s promotion of family planning. The committee analyzed the challenges and opportunities presented by declining fertility rates in some Arab nations, a demographic trend with long-term health and economic consequences. Population health trends are a growing concern for regional stability.
Preparations are also underway for Qatar’s participation in the 79th session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva in May 2026. The Council of Arab Health Ministers is formulating a unified statement to be delivered by the Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Bahrain, addressing key global health priorities. Furthermore, the inaugural Arab Ministerial Forum for Health and Environment is being planned, reflecting a growing recognition of the link between environmental factors and public health. This forum will likely address issues like air quality and water sanitation.
Other topics discussed included the establishment of a regional Arab centre for applied epidemiology to improve disease surveillance and response capabilities, continued efforts to combat drug trafficking, and financial matters related to the Arab Health Development Fund. The committee also reviewed the work of the Arab Coordination Mechanism for Disaster Risk Reduction, aiming to enhance preparedness for natural disasters and health emergencies.
The Technical Advisory Committee will now submit its recommendations to the Executive Office, which will then present them to the full Council of Arab Health Ministers in December 2025. The final decisions and action plans resulting from these meetings remain to be seen, and their effective implementation will be crucial for addressing the complex health challenges facing the Arab region. Monitoring the progress of these initiatives and the allocation of resources will be key in the coming months.
