Manama hosts the 12th meeting of the Gulf Health Ministers Committee, with participation by Kuwait's Minister of Health
Manama, Sept 6 (KUNA) -- The Bahraini capital, Manama, hosted today the 12th meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Health Ministers Committee, with the participation of Kuwait’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi.
In a speech delivered while chairing the meeting, Bahrain’s Minister of Health, Dr. Jalila bint Sayyid Jawad Hassan, emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen GCC health cooperation and integration, developing coordination mechanisms, and exchanging expertise and information among GCC member states. She noted that these efforts support the readiness of health systems, ensure the sustainability of services, secure supply chains, and enhance the capacity to address rapidly evolving health challenges.
Her speech also addressed current regional and security developments and their repercussions on countries in the region. She expressed Bahrain’s condemnation of Iran’s unjustified attacks on Bahrain, the GCC states, and Jordan, describing them as violations of international law, the UN Charter, and Security Council Resolution 2817. She highlighted the resulting consequences on lives, infrastructure, transportation, and supply chains, including essential and medical supplies.
She further pointed to the repercussions of threats to the security and safety of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and the potential impacts on energy security, international trade, and the supply of food, medicines, and humanitarian aid. In this context, she stressed the importance of enhancing readiness, joint GCC coordination, and the sustainability of supply chains and health services.
She also underscored the importance of continuing joint GCC efforts and integrating work across various health fields to keep pace with regional and international developments, and to enhance the efficiency and readiness of health systems in GCC member states.
The GCC Health Ministers discussed several agenda items, including follow-up on the implementation of resolutions by the Supreme Council in the health sector, strategic reserves of food, medicines, and medical supplies, the GCC Strategic Plan to Combat Drugs (2025–2028), and the examination of expatriate workers, alongside other priority topics in joint GCC health cooperation.
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