The 73rd session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean began today, Tuesday, in the Egyptian capital Cairo, with the participation of Syria, health ministers, and representatives of member states, under the theme "Together for a Healthier Future: Action, Access, and Equity."
The Ministry of Health clarified that the session's proceedings will last for three days, including discussions on the most prominent health challenges in the region, exploring ways to strengthen health systems, ensuring the sustainability of health services and care, and expanding the scope of universal health coverage.
Minister of Health Musab Al-Ali, while presiding over the opening of the session, emphasized the importance of translating health commitments into practical measures that reflect on the quality of services provided to citizens, especially in countries facing crises and challenges affecting the continuity of health care.
For his part, Minister Al-Ali explained that the recovery of the health sector in Syria is a fundamental part of efforts to restore community trust and enhance its resilience, noting that the ministry is working to direct recovery efforts according to the priorities of the national health plan, which supports primary health care, enhances the capacities of medical staff, develops information systems and emergency preparedness, and improves the utilization of available resources to meet citizens' needs.
He pointed out the importance of strengthening health financing and financial protection, ensuring that individuals receive necessary care without treatment costs becoming an economic burden, alongside prioritizing essential services, improving spending efficiency, and developing more sustainable financing mechanisms, especially in countries undergoing crises or recovery phases.
Minister Al-Ali highlighted the necessity of continuing joint efforts to eradicate infectious diseases and polio, reaching hard-to-reach populations, and maintaining capabilities in immunization, epidemiological surveillance, and laboratories, contributing to enhanced early detection and treatment and ensuring the continuity of health care.
In the field of health emergency preparedness, he stressed the importance of developing readiness and rapid response, enhancing information exchange and cross-border cooperation, and ensuring the continuity of essential services during crises, emphasizing the necessity of protecting patients, workers, and health facilities as a fundamental pillar for community resilience and recovery.
The minister also pointed to the opportunities offered by digital health and artificial intelligence in improving planning, diagnosis, and health service management, stressing the importance of having reliable data, establishing clear frameworks for governing the use of these technologies, protecting patient privacy, and investing in staff capacities to ensure that the benefits of technological advancement reach various communities and groups.
The Minister of Health appreciated the support of the World Health Organization, sister and friendly countries, and partners for the Syrian health sector, commending the efforts of health workers who continued their mission under difficult conditions, and the contributions of Syrian talents inside and outside the country in supporting the recovery process.
Minister Al-Ali affirmed Syria's aspiration to continue regional health cooperation and exchange expertise, strengthening sustainable partnerships to contribute to the development of health systems and improving access to services, aiming to achieve universal health coverage and ensure that every needy person receives appropriate care.
A delegation from the Syrian Ministry of Health had participated yesterday, Monday, in the events of the Global Health Summit 2026, which launched in the German capital Berlin, attended by several health ministers, government officials, representatives of international organizations, health and research institutions, and experts from various countries around the world.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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