The 71st session of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, hosted by Qatar, concluded with a strong focus on sustainable development in healthcare. The four-day event, held from October 14-17, featured high-level participation from regional health ministers, representatives from WHO, and Director-General H E Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
In her opening remarks, Qatar’s Minister of Public Health, H E Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, emphasized the conference’s theme, “Health Beyond Borders: Action, Access, Equity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region,” as crucial for the region. She highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by conflict, natural disasters, and epidemics, calling for global solidarity and fairness to improve healthcare access.
Dr. Al Kuwari stressed the importance of building resilient health systems that transcend national borders. She praised Qatar’s significant investments in global health through collaborations with international bodies like WHO, citing Qatar’s support for the COVID-19 pandemic response and initiatives like the “Sport for Health” program launched in partnership with WHO and FIFA.
Qatar’s health leadership extends beyond its borders, with the Minister reaffirming the country’s commitment to the WHO’s goals and sustainable development projects. She outlined Qatar’s domestic health achievements, particularly the launch of the third National Health Strategy (2024-2030), which aligns with the nation’s efforts to meet the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Al Kuwari also touched on Qatar’s advancements in areas like mental health, noting the upcoming WHO Mental Health Summit set to take place in Doha in April.
Additionally, she highlighted Qatar’s role as a model for healthy cities worldwide, with all its municipalities receiving the WHO “Healthy City” designation. The collaboration with WHO and other international organizations has been a key pillar of Qatar’s efforts to promote health and well-being, particularly through initiatives aimed at enhancing sports events and ensuring healthcare in urban areas.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Al Kuwari condemned the humanitarian tragedy in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, and called for international efforts to address the ongoing health crisis exacerbated by conflict in the region.
The WHO Regional Committee meeting underscored Qatar’s leadership in global health, as it continues to push forward projects that enhance healthcare access and resilience in the face of global challenges. The collaboration between Qatar and WHO serves as a benchmark for how nations can contribute to global health security and sustainable development goals.
