Mansour bin Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, Qatari Minister of Public Health and Co-Chairman of the Regional Subcommittee on Polio Eradication and Response to Outbreaks, affirmed that the State of Qatar believes that eradicating polio is an urgent necessity for global health and a shared humanitarian responsibility.
He added that Qatar, guided by this principle, sought to lead this effort by supporting efforts to eradicate this disease globally, providing political and financial support to the most affected countries and facilitating dialogue between partners to accelerate the pace of progress.
This came in a speech delivered by Al Mahmoud while heading the delegation of the State of Qatar participating in the 14th meeting of the Regional Subcommittee for Polio Eradication and Response to its Outbreaks, which was held in Cairo yesterday, Wednesday, as part of the meetings of the 72nd session of the Regional Committee of the World Health Organization for the Eastern Mediterranean.
During the speech, the Minister pointed out the participation of the State of Qatar in sponsoring the “Polio Eradication Challenge” initiative, with the aim of building a sustainable health system and supporting the provision of basic services, especially in light of the great health needs in countries affected by the disease.
Al Mahmoud also praised the workers on the front lines who face a difficult reality and form the basis on which the initiative is based.
He stressed the importance of the efforts of the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean in integrating the polio program with the Expanded Program on Vaccination, explaining that these efforts represent a strategic step that will contribute to strengthening vaccination systems for a healthier and safer future for every child.
The Minister of Public Health called for renewed joint commitment and solid political will in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to work to ensure the protection of every child and eliminate the threat of polio everywhere.
The committee meeting reviewed the progress made in polio eradication efforts in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, in order to achieve the goal of completely eliminating the disease and stopping its transmission completely.
It is noteworthy that the regional subcommittee aims to focus on coordinating and supporting efforts aimed at eradicating polio and responding to its outbreaks in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
The subcommittee, established by the World Health Organization, represents a forum for health ministers and stakeholders to exchange information, strategies and resources to achieve a polio-free world.