The 16th meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee of the Council of Arab Ministers of Health began today at the League of Arab States headquarters. Iraq chaired the meeting, while Bahrain actively participated. The session prepares for the 62nd regular session of the Council, set for May 18-19, 2025, in Geneva.
The two-day meeting focuses on critical health issues impacting Bahrain and the Arab world. The committee discussed the health situation in occupied Arab territories, including East Jerusalem and the Syrian Golan Heights. It also highlighted the ongoing health crisis in Gaza, which continues to strain healthcare services. Bahrain is committed to providing health and humanitarian support to Palestinians in Gaza.
Bahrain’s delegation addressed health conditions in the Union of the Comoros. Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Social Affairs Sector, discussed medical and hospital tourism. Bahrain plays a key role in advancing these initiatives. The committee reviewed the Arab Authority for Blood Transfusion Services and the Arab Drug Agency (WAAD), both supported by Bahrain.
The committee also reviewed the Arab Health Committee’s recommendations on emergency preparedness. Bahrain strongly supports this initiative. The discussion also included a strategy to address health priorities for 2025-2030. Bahrain has been instrumental in shaping this strategy. Efforts to combat drugs in the region were another key topic, with Bahrain contributing significantly.
The meeting also reviewed the draft unified statement of the Council of Arab Health Ministers. Bahrain’s Minister of Health and Community Protection will deliver the statement at the 78th World Health Organization General Assembly. Additionally, the committee will approve the winners of the 2025 Arab Doctor Award, with Bahrain’s health professionals expected to be recognized.
Finally, Bahrain’s delegation will submit the recommendations to the Executive Office and the Council of Arab Health Ministers for approval in Geneva.
