UAE's Ahmed Al Sayegh Leads Delegation At OIC Health Ministers Conference In Jordan

The UAE actively participated in the 8th Session of the Islamic Conference of Health Ministers, held by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jordan from 7th to 9th October. Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, led the UAE delegation. The conference focused on the theme "Health is our shared responsibility," gathering health ministers from OIC member states and representatives from regional and international health organisations.

Al Sayegh highlighted the UAE's commitment to supporting the OIC's efforts in enhancing integration across health sectors. He emphasised that under its wise leadership, the UAE is dedicated to developing joint policies and plans aimed at achieving universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goals. The UAE is keen to share its experience in addressing health challenges within a unified framework.

The UAE has been proactive in supporting joint initiatives and projects, building national capacities, and developing health emergency systems. Al Sayegh praised the OIC's role in promoting cooperation among member states, especially in tackling epidemics and chronic diseases. He stressed the importance of using modern technologies and artificial intelligence for prevention and care.

During his opening remarks, Al Sayegh commended the fruitful cooperation with the Organisation during the UAE’s presidency of the 7th session in Abu Dhabi in 2019. This collaboration was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when the UAE provided logistical support to several member states. This action reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening institutional solidarity and advancing partnerships under the Organisation’s umbrella.

Al Sayegh outlined how the UAE has developed an advanced digital healthcare ecosystem aligned with global standards. This system ensures service quality and ease of access while leveraging innovative technologies and artificial intelligence to deliver services. Strategic partnerships between public and private sectors have been strengthened as part of this initiative.

The country has also created a supportive regulatory environment for medical innovation and health technology. It fosters global and local collaborations in medical research and biotechnology while utilising big data and digital solutions to enhance health planning. These efforts align with forward-looking strategies under the UAE Centennial 2071 vision.

Bilateral Cooperation Discussions

On the sidelines of the conference, Al Sayegh met with Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad, Pakistan's Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination. They discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in health, including exchanging experts and specialists. Plans were also addressed for signing memorandums of understanding on organ transplantation to exchange medical expertise.

Al Sayegh reiterated that sharing expertise with member states is crucial for addressing health challenges effectively. The discussions aimed at expanding health coordination reflect a commitment to fostering collaboration within a unified framework.

The conference underscored how vital it is for countries to work together on health initiatives. By sharing knowledge and resources, nations can better tackle common challenges like epidemics and chronic diseases.

With inputs from WAM