Dr. Al-Qusha'an Receives 'Global Health Medal'

Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Qusha’an stated that the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Medal he received represents an honor for the State of Kuwait and a recognition of the trust placed in it.

He made these remarks in an interview with KUNA in Cairo on Saturday, on the occasion of the WHO awarding him the Health Medal in appreciation 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 WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, which concluded in Cairo on Thursday. The event was attended by health ministers, heads of delegations from regional countries, and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Dr. Al-Qusha’an said that this achievement reflects the confidence of Eastern Mediterranean Region countries, which entrusted the State of Kuwait with the coordination role over the past two years.

He added that the achieved consensus was the result of collective work involving experts, diplomats from member states, and the WHO Regional Office team, praising the support of the political leadership, as well as the efforts of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health, and cooperation with the Permanent Mission of Kuwait to the United Nations and international organizations in Geneva. He clarified that consensus in health negotiations is achieved through listening to all parties, dialogue, and working to find common ground, emphasizing the importance of continued coordination among member states and wishing success to Pakistan’s representative, who currently holds the position.

The award follows Kuwait’s successful leadership of a Gulf initiative that resulted in the 79th World Health Assembly adopting a resolution in May 2026 addressing the health consequences of Iranian attacks on civilian infrastructure, supply chains, and energy in the region, as well as the impact of disruptions to navigation 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 also led the negotiations on it, with 47 countries joining the list of co-sponsors. The inclusion of the related agenda item in the Assembly’s schedule was approved by a majority of 95 votes against 8.

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. 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 for the Eastern Mediterranean Region is elected by member states 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 Joint International Working Group on the Reform of the Global Health Architecture.