GCC Secretary-General Emphasises Child Health As Strategic Priority For Future Development

Jasem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), emphasised that prioritising children's health is crucial for the future of member states. He highlighted that the Gulf Health Strategy (2026-2030) aims to enhance health security, which is vital for regional stability and development. Albudaiwi shared these insights at the first Gulf Pediatric Associations Conference in Kuwait, attended by Kuwaiti Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi and various experts.

The GCC states view human health as a "strategic investment in people and development," according to Albudaiwi. He noted that the Gulf health system is robust, with 185,000 doctors working across 863 hospitals and 3,400 health centres by 2023. This infrastructure supports the region's focus on improving healthcare outcomes for its population.

Albudaiwi stressed that child health forms the foundation of Gulf society. The region has around 7.9 million children under 14 and another 2.19 million youths aged 15 to 19. These demographics necessitate enhanced preventive measures and awareness programmes, as these young individuals are considered "the wealth of our nations and the pillar of development."

The Gulf Health Strategy (2026-2030) aims to bolster health security by setting targets to increase life expectancy, decrease mortality rates, and prevent non-communicable diseases. This comprehensive approach underscores the importance of addressing both current and future health challenges in the region.

Albudaiwi called for greater efforts in strengthening research partnerships and fostering innovation within the GCC. He advocated for investments in artificial intelligence and encouraged data sharing among Gulf reference centres to enhance healthcare capabilities further.

The conference served as a platform for specialists, doctors, and researchers from GCC countries and beyond to discuss strategies for improving child health across the region. The collaborative efforts aim to ensure that future generations benefit from improved healthcare systems.

By focusing on these strategic priorities, the GCC aims to create a healthier environment for its citizens while contributing to regional stability and growth. The commitment to child health reflects a broader vision of sustainable development within member states.

With inputs from SPA