WHO Strengthens Health Ties with Qatar
March 2025, Doha, Qatar – Dr. Hanan Balkhy, the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, has wrapped up a pivotal visit to Qatar aimed at enhancing collaboration on critical health issues. The discussions focused on health emergencies, climate change, humanitarian responses, workforce development, and substance use. This visit marks a significant advancement in the partnership between WHO and Qatar, emphasizing their shared commitment to global health security.
Key Meetings with Qatari Officials
During her visit, Dr. Balkhy engaged in high-level discussions with several Qatari officials, including Minister of Public Health H.E. Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud. Their talks centered on strengthening strategic cooperation to implement Qatar’s National Development Strategy 3 (NDS3) and National Health Strategy 3 (NHS3). A major focus was on expanding equitable access to medical products, a key initiative of Dr. Balkhy’s agenda. The meeting underscored Qatar’s leadership role within WHO and its commitment to humanitarian health initiatives.
In a separate meeting with Minister of State for International Cooperation H.E. Maryam Al Misnad, Dr. Balkhy highlighted the importance of WHO’s partnership with Qatar in addressing health challenges in conflict-affected regions. They discussed strategies for rebuilding health infrastructure, including training and re-accreditation of health workers, aligning with WHO’s flagship initiatives. This collaboration aims to enhance health systems in areas severely impacted by conflict.
Humanitarian Health Efforts and Climate Change
Dr. Balkhy’s visit also spotlighted Qatar’s significant contributions to humanitarian health efforts in crisis regions, such as Syria and Sudan. She engaged with organizations like the Qatar Red Crescent Society and Qatar Charity to explore ways to bolster emergency preparedness and medical aid delivery. The discussions aimed to strengthen joint efforts in health system development and financing, ensuring effective responses to health emergencies.
Climate change was another critical topic during her meetings, particularly with H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. They discussed Qatar’s progress on its National Action Plan for Climate Change 2030 and the health sector’s role in enhancing climate resilience. Dr. Balkhy praised Qatar’s commitment to tackling health challenges linked to climate change, emphasizing the need for deeper collaboration in advancing WHO’s health and climate agenda.
Advancing Health Education and Workforce Development
Further discussions with H.E. Lolwah Al Khater, Minister of Education and Higher Education, focused on enhancing health education and workforce development. Dr. Balkhy emphasized the need for accelerated public health actions, particularly concerning substance use. The meetings aimed to explore innovative strategies for integrating health education into academic programs and improving public health outcomes.
Dr. Balkhy also visited Qatar University, where she discussed potential collaborations in health education and research with Professor Asma Al Thani, Vice President for Health and Medical Sciences. The focus was on digital mental health initiatives and academic exchanges. Additionally, she reviewed the outcomes of the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) and explored further collaboration opportunities to improve regional access to healthcare.
The visit concluded with a tour of Naufar Hospital, a leading facility for substance use treatment, aligning with Dr. Balkhy’s initiatives on capacity-building and training in this critical area. Overall, the visit underscored the deepening partnership between WHO and Qatar, reaffirming their commitment to advancing health goals and humanitarian efforts across the Eastern Mediterranean region and beyond.
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