Pledges amounting to approximately $36mn were gathered to fund the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region at the investment round held in Doha on Thursday.Qatar's Minister of Public Health HE Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari participated in the meeting at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, a statement from the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) said.The event was attended by several ministers and senior officials from countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region, as well as representatives from international, regional, and national organisations.In her address during the investment round, HE Dr al-Kuwari said that Qatar firmly believes that investing in global health is an investment in global stability, security, and prosperity."Qatar was among the first countries in the world to respond to the WHO's plea for a core voluntary contribution in 2021 to support the response to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and other emergencies.”"Recognising the urgent need for ongoing, reliable, and long-term support for the WHO's budget, we reaffirmed our commitment to the WHO in May 2024,” she said."We stand ready to continue discussions with the WHO to determine our contribution to the financial resources needed to implement its 14th General Programme of Work,” HE Dr al-Kuwari added. "We are confident that this will strengthen health systems globally, making them more resilient and capable of addressing challenges such as pandemics and non-communicable diseases."The minister said that the investment round for the WHO underscores the shared commitment to ensuring the future of global health, stating that "In the face of a rapidly evolving health landscape, securing sustainable and stable funding for the 14th General Programme of Work is not just necessary; it is a moral obligation we owe to future generations”.She reiterated the importance of strengthening co-operation to ensure that the WHO remains prepared to lead global health efforts in the years ahead, adding: "Together, we can create a healthier and more equitable world for all."In her opening remarks, Dr Hanan Balkhy, the WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said: "As the global investment case demonstrates, every dollar invested in the WHO generates a return of $35.”"This is an extremely smart investment,” she continued. "It can help save the lives of another 40mn people, making the lives of billions healthier and safer from harm, while providing them access to the health services they need.”"Predictable, flexible funding for our core work over the next four years is essential for us to achieve the best possible health outcomes," Dr Balkhy added.Several ministers and senior officials from the Eastern Mediterranean Region also spoke on the importance of sustainable funding for the WHO to ensure greater preparedness and response to health challenges in the region.In a pre-recorded speech, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the significance of the investment round and the solidarity required for sustainable funding for the WHO, emphasising its importance for global health in achieving "All for Health, Health for All”.The event also featured a video presentation on sustainable funding for the WHO in the region and its importance in addressing health challenges.The 71st session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, held under the theme *Health Beyond Borders: Action, Access, Equity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, will conclude today in Doha.
October 17, 2024 | 11:16 PM