Qatar has successfully faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic

Her Excellency the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari affirmed today in Qatar's speech to the World Health Assembly held in Geneva

May 31, 2023 - 10:23

Qatar has successfully faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic

Source: Ministry of Public Health

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

The Ministry of Public Health article affirms that under the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the State of Qatar has successfully faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and has one of the lowest mortality rates while keeping economic activities from the effects of the pandemic.

HE stressed the State of Qatar's strong commitment to supporting the World Health Organization (WHO) in performing its mission of promoting health and wellness for all people.

The Minister of Public Health thanked the (WHO) and the Member States of the Eastern Mediterranean Region for choosing the State of Qatar to represent the Region in the Executive Board of the (WHO).

HE said: "On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the (WHO), we are celebrating 75 years of achievements and milestones in the field of public health and advances in key disciplines such as the eradication of smallpox, the development of vaccines and the promotion of public health initiatives globally. We also celebrate our gathering, our solidarity, our consensus and the strategic role we all play through WHO in managing global health."

HE added "We are also celebrating the end of the COVID-19 pandemic as a public health emergency that has raised global concern, recognizing that we have all passed a very difficult period where the global health community has had to face unprecedented global challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts, which have placed enormous burdens on populations and health systems around the world."

Her Excellency expressed her appreciation and gratitude to all health care and public health workers in our countries, at the WHO and all partner institutions for their dedication and great services, especially in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

HE Dr Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari added: The Qatar National Vision 2030's focus on health and well-being has led to significant investments in health. All of Qatar's municipalities have been awarded the title of Healthy Cities in addition to Qatar Foundation's Education City and Qatar University, making Qatar the first country in the world to receive such title."

Her Excellency stated "We are investing in healthcare workforce development specialties networks and protecting the healthcare professionals. We are committed to contribute from our side to the Sustainable Development Goals such as ending Tuberculosis by 2030, eliminating maternal to child transmission of HIV and Hepatitis, combatting Antimicrobial Resistance, and expanding on multisectoral collaboration as well as bringing additional innovative approaches and technologies to healthcare."

"Qatar delivered during the pandemic a healthy, safe and successful FIFA World Cup tournament with no smoking and no alcohol in its stadia. It had strengthened preparedness and response, organized health services in such a way to accommodate all visitors and players needs and ensure access to services to all of the population. Qatar is committed to enhance the role of the health sector in climate action, taking stock and moving forward as a positively engaged sector. We are implementing a Sport for Health project at a national and global level with WHO to promote healthy lifestyles, enhance physical activity, healthy nutrition, and access to mental health services. Building a legacy of knowledge and learning for safe and healthy mass sports gatherings with best practices and innovations will be part of the project’s objectives to benefit other countries that are planning to host similar events in the future," HE Dr. Hanan Al Kuwari added.

HE the Minister of Public Health pointed out that Qatar has recently hosted the 5th meeting of the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in March and HH the Emir has committed USD 60 Million funding for the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action, which is a ten-year plan to tap into the potential of the LDCs by implementing renewed and strengthened commitments between the LDCs and their development partners, including the private sector, civil society, and governments at all levels.

Her Excellency said "We all want a strong WHO as we embark on the post pandemic phase, enhancing our cooperation and solidarity for a better prepared world especially as we assess the impact of crises, whether they be natural disasters or wars and conflicts threatening health gains and progress everywhere. We are working against the clock on many of our commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals and to the future generations, especially as we face the havoc created by conflict and violence in many parts of the world. For the health and wellbeing of all, we need to work together toward universal health access and peace."

It is worth remarking that the meetings’ agenda of the 76th session of the World Health Assembly continues in Geneva, Switzerland, from 21 to 30 May. The key theme of this year's meetings is "75 years of improving public health". The Assembly will discuss several key topics themes under WHO's four pillars: One billion more people benefitting from universal health coverage, one billion more people better protected from health emergencies, one billion more people enjoying better health and well-being and more effective and efficient WHO providing better support to countries.