Cairo: HE Minister of Public Health and Co-Chair of the Regional Subcommittee for Polio Eradication and Outbreaks Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud affirmed that the State of Qatar believes that eradicating polio is an urgent global health priority and a shared humanitarian responsibility.
According to Qatar News Agency, His Excellency added, “Guided by this principle, the State of Qatar has sought to lead this effort by championing global eradication initiatives, providing political and financial support to the countries most affected, and facilitating dialogue among partners to accelerate progress.”
This statement was delivered by His Excellency while leading the Qatari delegation participating in the 14th meeting of the Regional Subcommittee for Polio Eradication and Outbreaks, held Wednesday in Cairo as part of the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean.
His Excellency highlighted Qatar’s participation in supporting the “Polio Eradication Initiative,” which aims to build a sustainable healthcare system and strengthen the delivery of essential services, particularly in light of the significant health needs in the countries affected by the disease. He also paid tribute to frontline workers who face difficult conditions and form the foundation upon which this initiative is built.
His Excellency further emphasized the importance of the efforts made by the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean to integrate the polio programme with the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), noting that these efforts represent a strategic step that will contribute to strengthening immunisation systems for a healthier and safer future for every child.
HE the Minister of Public Health called for a renewal of shared commitment and unwavering political will across the Eastern Mediterranean Region to ensure that every child is protected and that the threat of polio is eliminated everywhere.
During the meeting, participants discussed progress in efforts to eradicate polio in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, with the aim of achieving the complete eradication of the disease and the full interruption of its transmission.
The Regional Subcommittee aims to coordinate and support efforts to eradicate polio and respond to its outbreaks in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Established by the World Health Organization, the Subcommittee serves as a forum for Ministers of Health and stakeholders to exchange information, strategies and resources in pursuit of a polio-free world.