Qatar Engages in WHO's Standing Committee on Health Emergency Preparedness and Response

On the 13th and 14th of September, the State of Qatar actively participated in the two-day meeting of the Standing Committee on Health Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, and Response within the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva

September 15, 2023 - 10:08

Qatar Engages in WHO's Standing Committee on Health Emergency Preparedness and Response

Source: Ministry of Public Health

Estimated reading time: 1 minutes

The Ministry of Public Health had reported that Dr. Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari, the Minister of Public Health and Chair of the WHO Executive Board, led Qatar's delegation at this significant gathering.

According to the Ministry of Public Health, during the meeting, several crucial topics were addressed, including updates on prevailing international public health emergencies and the strengthening and oversight of WHO's emergency health initiatives. The agenda included a comprehensive review of two key updates: one focusing on the enhancement of prevention, preparedness, and response to health crises and the other addressing the ongoing major health emergencies.

As per the Ministry of Public Health's information, the Standing Committee on Health Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, and Response consists of 14 distinguished members representing various regions and selected from the Executive Council's membership. Additionally, the President and Vice-President of the Executive Council serve as ex officio members.

The committee, in accordance with the Ministry of Public Health's statement, holds several vital responsibilities, which include scrutinizing WHO's emergency health initiatives, offering guidance, and making pertinent recommendations to the WHO Executive Board. In cases where a public health emergency of international concern is declared in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005), the committee assesses the information provided by the WHO Director-General and the Member State where the event is unfolding. Subsequently, it provides counsel to the WHO Executive Board and furnishes advice to the Director-General through the Executive Board, as outlined by the Ministry of Public Health.