WHO Awards Kuwaiti Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Qusha'an Global Health Medal

Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Qusha’an confirmed on Saturday that the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Medal he received represents an honor for the State of Kuwait and a testament to the confidence placed in it. 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 in recognition of 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 Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, which concluded its proceedings in Cairo yesterday, 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 stems from the trust placed in Kuwait by Eastern Mediterranean Region countries, which entrusted it 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, praising the support of Kuwait’s political leadership, as well as the efforts of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and 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 through listening to all parties, dialogue, and working to find common ground, stressing the importance of continued coordination among member states. He also wished success to Pakistan’s representative, who currently holds the coordination role.

The recognition follows Kuwait’s successful leadership of a Gulf initiative that resulted in the 79th World Health Assembly adopting, in May 2026, a resolution addressing the health impacts of Iranian attacks on civilian infrastructure, supply chains, and energy 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 proposal submitted by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan, which received broad Gulf, Arab, and international support. He led the negotiations on the resolution, with 47 countries joining the list of sponsors. The resolution was approved with 95 votes in favor and 8 against, securing its inclusion on the Assembly’s agenda.

During the award ceremony, Dr. Ghebreyesus praised Dr. Al-Qusha’an’s leadership and efforts in bridging differences and uniting member states around common positions, expressing 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 assisting 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 Working Group on Global Health Governance Reform.