Doha: Qatar, along with the rest of the world, will celebrate World Health Day on Tuesday, April 7, commemorating the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. Since its establishment, serving as the leading and coordinating authority on health within the United Nations system, it has led global health efforts, shaped research agendas, set standards, provided technical support to countries, and monitored and assessed health trends.
According to Qatar News Agency, this year's World Health Day comes as the State of Qatar has made significant strides in the healthcare sector. Under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the sector has received strong support, enabling it to develop robust foundations and world-class infrastructure. The country now boasts a network of 26 hospitals across public, semi-governmental, and private sectors, in addition to approximately 60,000 healthcare professionals, including nurses and other healthcare practitioners.
Qatar's recent healthcare advancements have also gained international recognition, with five hospitals ranked among the world's top 250 academic medical centers, including two within the top 100. This reflects the sector's commitment to integrating patient care with medical research and education to deliver optimal outcomes and patient experiences.
The country's sustained commitment to advancing healthcare stems from a national vision that places people at the heart of its development. Primary healthcare in Qatar has emerged as a leading model regionally and internationally, supported by strategic investment in human health and the development of an integrated system delivering high-quality preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services in a safe and competitive environment. The National Health Strategy 2024-2030 has outlined three key priorities: improving population health and well-being, achieving excellence in service delivery and patient experience, and ensuring system efficiency and resilience.
Qatar's healthcare sector continues to advance steadily in global rankings. The country ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa region and 18th globally in the 2025 Health Care Index, Numbeo. This ranking underscores the high quality of healthcare services in Qatar, driven by innovation and the adoption of the latest global practices, in alignment with the Third National Development Strategy, alongside accessibility, affordability, and public trust in the healthcare system.
Furthermore, Qatar has received the WHO's Healthy Cities accreditation for all eight of its municipalities, the first country to receive it nationwide. Similar accreditations have also been granted to Qatar University and Education City, highlighting Qatar's health-in-all-policy approach. The Healthy Cities program aims to improve population health by promoting well-being, enhancing equity, empowering communities, and addressing the root causes of ill health through cross-sector collaboration and integrated policymaking.