Cairo, Oct. 13 (SANA) The 73rd session of the World Health Organization’s Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean kicked off Tuesday in Cairo, with Syria’s participation alongside health ministers and representatives of member states, under the slogan “Together for a Healthier Future: Action, Access, Equity.”
The three-day session includes discussions on the region’s most pressing health challenges, strengthening health systems, ensuring sustainable health services and care, and expanding universal health coverage, the Health Ministry said on its Telegram channel.
Turning commitments into action
Health Minister Musab al-Ali, who chaired the opening session, stressed the importance of transforming health commitments into practical measures that reflect on the quality of services provided to citizens, particularly in countries facing crises and challenges affecting the continuity of healthcare.
Al-Ali said the recovery of Syria’s health sector is an essential part of efforts to restore community confidence and enhance resilience. He said the ministry is directing recovery efforts in line with the priorities of the national health plan, supporting primary healthcare, strengthening medical staff capacities, developing information systems and emergency preparedness, and improving the use of available resources.
The minister stressed the importance of strengthening health financing and financial protection to ensure individuals receive necessary care without treatment costs becoming an economic burden. He called for prioritizing essential services, improving spending efficiency and developing more sustainable financing mechanisms, particularly in countries experiencing crises or recovery phases.
Disease elimination, emergency preparedness
Al-Ali highlighted the need to continue joint efforts to eliminate communicable diseases and eradicate polio, reach hard-to-reach populations, and maintain capacities in immunization, epidemiological surveillance and laboratories to enhance early detection and treatment.
On health emergency preparedness, he stressed developing readiness and rapid response, strengthening cross-border information exchange and cooperation, and ensuring the continuity of essential services during crises, emphasizing the protection of patients, health workers and health facilities as a cornerstone of community resilience and recovery.
Digital health, AI opportunities
The minister noted opportunities offered by digital health and artificial intelligence to improve planning, diagnosis and health service management, stressing the importance of reliable data, clear governance frameworks, protecting patient privacy and investing in staff capacities.
Al-Ali expressed appreciation for the support of WHO, brotherly and friendly countries and partners for Syria’s health sector, praising health workers who continued their mission under difficult conditions and the contributions of Syrian expertise at home and abroad.
A Syrian Health Ministry delegation participated Monday in the World Health Summit 2026 in Berlin, attended by health ministers, government officials, international organizations and health and research institutions from around the world. The WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean is the governing body for WHO’s work in the region, convening annually to set policy, review progress and approve regional strategies.
Kh.A / Mzn
