WHO EMRO and WHO Foundation Initiate First Partnership in the GCC
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, witnessed a significant milestone on May 19, 2025, as the WHO Foundation entered into its first corporate partnership in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tawuniya, the largest insurance provider in Saudi Arabia, aims to enhance regional health priorities in line with the World Health Organization’s mission. This collaboration is expected to drive innovation and improve healthcare access across the region.
Details of the Partnership
The MoU was formalized during a high-profile event in Riyadh, coinciding with Tawuniya’s Research and Development Forum. The signing ceremony was attended by over 100 guests, including key figures from both organizations. Dr. Othman Alkassabi, Tawuniya’s Group CEO, and Dr. Hadi Al Enazy, Senior Executive Director for Health Transformation and Governance, represented Tawuniya. Anil Soni, CEO of the WHO Foundation, participated virtually from Geneva, while Reem Abdelhamid, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, signed on behalf of the WHO Foundation in person. This partnership marks a new approach to public health collaboration, focusing on innovation, equity, and shared goals.
Goals and Objectives
The agreement sets the groundwork for a long-term partnership aimed at addressing regional health challenges. Specific programs will be developed in consultation with the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO). Potential areas of focus include enhancing digital health systems, improving access to quality primary care, and advancing mental and occupational health initiatives. The partnership also aims to explore population health management models that leverage local innovation. This collaborative effort is seen as a crucial step toward strengthening health systems in the region, particularly in light of the growing complexity of global health challenges.
Impact on Crisis-Affected Areas
The collaboration between the WHO Foundation and Tawuniya may also play a vital role in rebuilding health systems in crisis-affected regions, such as Syria and Sudan. By utilizing regional expertise and targeted innovations, the partnership aims to deliver life-saving interventions in these underserved areas. As the partnership evolves, it is expected to incorporate advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital platforms, to enhance healthcare delivery. The WHO EMRO will guide the refinement of priorities, ensuring that the initiatives align with the most pressing health needs in these regions.
Future Developments
Concrete outcomes from this partnership are anticipated to be outlined during the WHO Regional Committee Meeting in Cairo, scheduled for October 2025. This meeting will provide an opportunity to further define the partnership’s objectives and deliverables. The collaboration represents a forward-thinking approach to health system transformation in the GCC, with a commitment to equitable access to healthcare for all. As both organizations work together, they aim to create a sustainable impact on health outcomes across the region.
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