Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Qusha'an: Receiving Global Health Award Honors Kuwait and Reflects Trust in It

Cairo, October 17 (KUNA) -- Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Qusha’an stressed on Saturday that the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Medal he received represents an honor for Kuwait and an acknowledgment of the trust placed in the country.

This statement was made by Al-Qusha’an in an interview with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the occasion of the WHO awarding him the Health Medal, recognizing his leadership in coordinating the positions of countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region from 2024 to 2026, and his role in enhancing consensus among member states on international health issues.

The award ceremony took place during the 73rd session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, which concluded its proceedings in Cairo yesterday. The session was attended by health ministers, heads of delegations from regional countries, and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Dr. Al-Qusha’an stated that this recognition reflects the confidence of Eastern Mediterranean Region countries, which entrusted Kuwait with the coordination role over the past two years. He added that the achieved consensus was the result of collective efforts involving experts, diplomats from member states, and the WHO Regional Office team. He praised the support of Kuwait’s political leadership, as well as the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Health, and their cooperation with Kuwait’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and international organizations in Geneva.

He emphasized that consensus in health negotiations is achieved by listening to all parties, engaging in dialogue, and working to find common ground. He stressed the importance of continued coordination among member states and wished success to Pakistan’s representative, who currently holds the coordination role.

The award follows Kuwait’s successful leadership of a Gulf initiative that led to the 79th World Health Assembly adopting, in May 2026, a resolution addressing the health implications of Iranian attacks on civilian infrastructure, supply chains, and energy facilities in the region, as well as the repercussions of navigation disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz on global health.

Dr. Al-Qusha’an drafted the resolution, which was submitted by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan, and received widespread Gulf, Arab, and international support. He led the negotiations on the resolution, with 47 countries joining the list of sponsors. The inclusion of the related agenda item was approved by the Assembly with 95 votes in favor and 8 against.

During the award ceremony, Ghebreyesus praised Dr. Al-Qusha’an’s leadership and his efforts to bridge differences and unite member states around common positions. He expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s efforts and its long-standing partnership in supporting health programs, particularly in Yemen and Gaza, as well as its contributions to protecting children, promoting healthy aging, and supporting populations during crises.

The regional coordinator is elected by member states of the Eastern Mediterranean Region to represent them in WHO meetings and negotiations, including the World Health Assembly, the Executive Board, and international negotiations.

Dr. Al-Qusha’an currently serves on the International Joint Task Force on Global Health Governance Reform. (End) M.M. / R.J.