Kuwait joins GCC push for health preparedness

MANAMA, Sept 6: The 12th meeting of the Committee of Health Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states was held in Manama on Sunday, with the participation of GCC health ministers, including Kuwait’s Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi. Bahraini Health Minister Dr. Jalila bint Al-Sayed Jawad Hassan, who chaired the meeting, stressed the importance of continuing to strengthen health cooperation and integration among GCC states, as well as developing mechanisms for coordination and exchanging expertise and information.

She said such efforts would support the preparedness of health systems, ensure the sustainability of services and supply chains, and enhance their ability to address rapidly evolving health challenges. In her address, Hassan also touched on current security and regional developments and their repercussions on the countries of the region, expressing Bahrain’s condemnation of what she described as “heinous Iranian attacks” against Bahrain, GCC states and Jordan. She said the attacks constituted violations of international law, the UN Charter and UN Security Council Resolution 2817, resulting in repercussions for lives and infrastructure, transportation and supply chains, including essential and medical supplies. She also highlighted the repercussions of threats to the safety and security of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and their potential impact on energy security, international trade, food and medicine supplies, and humanitarian aid. In this context, she underscored the importance of enhancing preparedness and joint GCC coordination, as well as ensuring the sustainability of supply chains and health services.

Hassan further stressed the need to continue joint GCC efforts and integrate initiatives across various health sectors in line with regional and international developments, enhancing the efficiency and preparedness of health systems in GCC states and their ability to ensure continuity of healthcare services for the health and safety of citizens and residents. The meeting discussed several agenda items, foremost among them follow-up on the implementation of Supreme Council decisions in the health sector, strategic stocks of food, medicines and medical supplies, the GCC Strategy to Combat Drugs (2025-2028), and the examination of expatriate workers, in addition to several priority issues related to joint GCC health action. Earlier, Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa said Sunday that the strong ties and shared aspirations among GCC states provide a solid foundation for advancing joint Gulf cooperation.

He said these bonds would build on achievements made in the GCC’s joint efforts and advance cooperation to higher levels across various fields, in line with the aspirations of GCC leaders. Prince Salman made the remarks while receiving heads of delegations participating in the 12th meeting of GCC health ministers, including Kuwait’s Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi.

The meeting is hosted by Bahrain as part of its presidency of the 46th session of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The delegation heads conveyed greetings from GCC leaders to Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman, who in turn conveyed the King’s and his own greetings to the GCC leaders. Prince Salman stressed Bahrain’s continued commitment, under King Hamad’s leadership, to supporting initiatives that advance the GCC states’ shared aspirations for greater cooperation and integration. He expressed hope that the meeting would succeed in strengthening coordination and cooperation to develop healthcare systems and improve the quality and efficiency of health services across GCC states.(KUNA)