Ashraf AboArafe
Saudi Minister of Health, Professor Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel, with the participation of the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom – via video conference – chaired the first strategic dialogue between the Kingdom and the World Health Organization (WHO), which was hosted by Riyadh, in the presence of the Regional Director of the World Health Organization for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Hanan Hassan Balkhi.
The dialogue, which took place on August 13-14, witnessed the participation of a number of senior officials from the Ministry of Health, relevant authorities in the Kingdom, and representatives of the World Health Organization.
The Kingdom and the Organization welcomed this strategic dialogue, as the strategic relations between the two parties were reviewed and an agreement was reached to enhance health cooperation and identify joint initiatives, and their commitment to support international efforts to enhance regional and global health, and to continue cooperation in confronting health crises.
The dialogue discussed the historical partnership between the two parties, bilateral relations, regional and international health issues, health investment, economy, and scientific research, in addition to reviewing the Kingdom’s efforts in the health transformation program and what it has provided in care and enhancing prevention against health risks by promoting public health through various efforts and practices. The dialogue also addressed the most important measures and policies implemented by the Kingdom to improve the efficiency of health services and facilitate digital access to health services, and enhance traffic safety.
The strategic dialogue session included a review of the organization’s program and its objectives, and the Kingdom’s priorities on the international agenda, such as antimicrobial resistance, digital health, patient safety, universal health coverage, and health emergencies.
For his part, His Excellency the Minister of Health welcomed in his speech the participants in the first strategic dialogue between the Kingdom and the World Health Organization, from representatives of the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health, and participating ministries and entities.
He stressed the importance of the strategic dialogue in light of the efforts of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince – may God protect them – to support the health sector and benefit from international expertise and partnerships, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, noting that the strategic dialogue is an important step to enhance future cooperation between the two parties towards a more strategic partnership, including the exchange of expertise and knowledge in the field of health care.
He pointed out that since the Kingdom became a member of the World Health Organization in 1961, the relationship has developed into a strong strategic partnership, looking forward through this dialogue to cooperation in various fields in global health, including health emergencies, antimicrobial resistance, data and digital health.
For his part, the Director-General of the World Health Organization said in his speech: “The Kingdom is an important strategic partner of the World Health Organization, and together we have made important strides in addressing global health challenges, including antimicrobial resistance, improving health data, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to emergency operations in many countries.
He pointed out that today’s dialogue provides a forum for communication on shared priorities in the context of the World Health Organization’s Global Health Strategy for 2025-2028, and the Fourteenth General Program of Work, including the investment round and expanding the scope of primary health care, strengthening health systems, improving preparedness for, prevention of and response to health emergencies, and addressing the root causes of disease, including the threat of climate change.
For her part, Dr. Hanan Balkhy stressed the importance of the Kingdom as the only G20 country in the Eastern Mediterranean region, and it has a central role through its experience, leadership and leading voice in promoting health, and said: “Through this strategic dialogue, we look forward to continuing our strong cooperation and building partnerships between the organization and the Kingdom.
