UAE Engages In G20 Health Ministers Meeting In Brazil To Tackle Global Health Challenges

The UAE, through its Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), participated in the G20 Health Ministers Meeting and the Joint Finance and Health Ministers meeting in Brazil from 29-31 October. The discussions focused on global health challenges, strategic priorities, and long-term plans to build resilient health systems, contributing to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

The UAE delegation was led by Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention. It included Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al Serkal, Director-General of Emirates Health Services (EHS), Nasser Al Badour, Assistant Under-Secretary in MoHAP, Dr Abdullah Al Naqbi, Executive Director of Supporting Health Services at EHS, and other officials. Saleh Ahmed Alsuwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Brazil, also attended.

During high-level discussions, topics such as climate change-related health challenges, health equity, the One Health approach, antimicrobial resistance, epidemic preparedness, and research and development were addressed. These discussions aimed to strengthen health systems globally.

Health and finance ministers held a joint meeting to explore ways to enhance funding for epidemic preparedness. They discussed increasing investment in sustainable development goals and improving integration between health and finance sectors to address global health challenges collaboratively.

The UAE's participation underscores its commitment to international collaboration in supporting global health systems. This aligns with the UAE Centennial 2071 goals of enhancing life quality for individuals and communities while fostering a prosperous future for generations.

Climate Change and Health Systems

Al Owais highlighted that addressing climate change requires comprehensive action at all levels. He emphasised developing resilient health infrastructure and policies addressing environmental, social, and economic factors that increase health risks due to climate change. Ensuring equitable healthcare access for vulnerable populations is crucial.

Recognising the link between climate change and health, the UAE aims to build climate-resilient health systems with national adaptation plans featuring early warning systems and vulnerability assessments. Through cross-border collaboration, it seeks effective responses to climate-induced illnesses affecting certain groups disproportionately.

One Health Approach

"The UAE prioritises the One Health approach within its national health policies," stated Al Owais. This strategy boosts epidemic preparedness through cross-sector collaboration among health, environmental fields. The UAE accelerates efforts in governance enhancement, policy implementation, research investment, technology leverage, and integrated surveillance systems for infectious diseases.

He praised G20 nations for integrating this approach into global policies. It plays a critical role in combating antibiotic resistance and neglected tropical diseases while strengthening preparedness for future emergencies.

Digital Health Initiatives

Al Owais highlighted digital health as crucial for enhancing healthcare access by building robust infrastructure aligned with the G20 vision. He welcomed including the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience in the G20 Declaration on Climate Change, Health Equity, One Health.

His Excellency appreciated Brazil’s leadership in organising a successful summit. He noted that cooperation among G20 countries shapes unified policies establishing key health priorities annually.

Al Owais stressed activating joint action as international coordination becomes essential for efficient health systems tackling pressing global challenges no single country can address alone. "The UAE is deeply committed to supporting global collaborative efforts to build a healthier future for all," he concluded.

With inputs from WAM