The Sultanate of Oman, representing the Ministry of Health, participated today in the 33rd session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean (RC73) being held in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt. This meeting is attended by health leaders and decision-makers from various countries in the region.
Oman's Leadership in Improving Health Systems
His Excellency Dr. Hilal bin Ali Al-Sabti, Minister of Health and Vice President of the WHO Regional Office, is leading the Omani delegation. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of continuing investment in sustainable health systems and highlighted the need to focus on primary health care and universal health coverage. Dr. Al-Sabti stressed that these actions must be carried out in a way that ensures health services are fairly accessible, especially for vulnerable groups and those affected by crises.
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Oman's Actions for Public Health
The Minister of Health of Oman also referred to the country's achievements in prevention and health security, stating that Oman has managed to achieve a vaccination coverage of over 99% against polio. Alongside these efforts, monitoring and preparedness systems have also been strengthened. Oman is also working to combat antimicrobial resistance and is continuously committed to implementing the Muscat Declaration of 2022.
Dr. Al-Sabti pointed to the importance of digital transformation, data, and artificial intelligence as strategic opportunities to strengthen health systems in the region and emphasized the need to develop transparent governance frameworks and enhance inter-system interaction capabilities. He also stressed the responsible and reliable use of technology to improve the quality of health services and support evidence-based decision-making.
In conclusion, he emphasized the necessity of strengthening regional solidarity and cooperation, highlighting the need for the exchange of experiences and data and empowering countries, especially those affected by conflicts and crises. The Minister of Health of Oman also addressed the importance of protecting health workers and medical facilities and stressed the need to ensure the continuity of essential health services for affected populations.
This session is held under the slogan "Together for a Healthier Future: Work, Access, Equity" and aims to strengthen regional cooperation and coordinate efforts to address common health challenges. Participants will discuss several priority health issues in the Eastern Mediterranean region, including enhancing health financing and strengthening financial support, adopting a comprehensive approach to eliminating infectious diseases, and responding to health emergencies.
A report on the WHO's financial planning for the years 2025 and 2026 and a proposed program budget for the years 2028 to 2029 will also be presented at this meeting. Other topics, including regional health awards and decisions from the World Health Assembly, will also be discussed. Additionally, on the final day, a session titled "Artificial Intelligence for Health in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region: Priorities and Considerations" will be held.
The Sultanate of Oman's participation in this meeting reflects the country's commitment to strengthening regional and international health cooperation and the exchange of experiences and efforts to develop health systems and achieve universal health coverage.
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