Qatar hosts informal meeting of WHO Executive Board
Doha, The Gulf Observer: An informal meeting of the Executive Board of the World Health Organization(WHO), hosted by Qatar.
Minister of Public Health H E Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari is the chair of the meeting and the Chairman of the WHO Executive Board, in the presence of WHO Director-General H E Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and members of the Executive Board.
The two day meeting aims to discuss several proposals to the Executive Board, as well as exchange views and ideas on the global health architecture and the fast-evolving health emergency landscape, and how this affects WHO governance, strategic issues, and financial sustainability. The meeting will also discuss the proposal’s terms scheduled to be discussed during the 154th session of the Executive Board to be convened in January.
The meeting emphasised the importance of the leading role of WHO in ensuring global solidarity to address the challenges facing the humanitarian community, as WHO acts as the directing and coordinating authority for international health work. The meeting underlines the need to provide WHO with adequate resources to respond to global health threats effectively and in a time-efficient manner and seek to build meaningful partnerships with Member States and relevant stakeholders to strengthen health systems and promote health for all.
In her opening speech, Dr. Kuwari welcomed the participants and confirmed the importance of the productive discussions, exchanging views and proposals on many issues of crucial importance to better address global health needs.
She expressed her profound concern about the numerous crises that are witnessed by many countries whether man-made or natural crises. She paid tribute to the courageous health workers who have tragically lost their lives in emergencies and conflicts.
The Minister also spoke about the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip. She said: “The repeated attacks on health facilities and healthcare workers are indefensible and violate international law. Health facilities are sanctuaries designed solely to care for people and their families. Preserving these crucial spaces and ensuring access to healthcare are fundamental imperatives.”
She also pointed out the importance of some issues like preparedness and strengthening global health security architecture, in addition to the profound effects of climate change on public health, which requires setting strong strategies and resilient health systems.
