UAE Minister of Health Invites GCC Health Ministers to COP 28

Abdulrahman Bin Mohamed Al Owais, the Minister of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) in the UAE, has invited the Health Ministers of GCC nations to participate in the upcoming 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 28). 

The conference is planned to occur from November 30 to December 12, 2023, in the UAE.

UAE’s Commitment to Climate and Sustainable Development:

COP 28 is expected to enhance the UAE’s global leadership in climate action and sustainable development, aligning with the country’s vision and the directives of its leadership. 

The UAE is committed to fostering partnerships and cooperation with the international community, particularly in sustainable development and climate action.

Focus on Health at COP 28:

During COP 28, a significant milestone is set to be achieved as December 3, 2023, will be designated as Health Day. 

Health Ministers worldwide will exchange ideas, perspectives, and experiences about climate change and health. 

The focus will be on ensuring food security, expanding access to healthcare services, and placing health at the forefront of climate discussions. 

The objective is to establish equitable and climate-resilient health systems.

Addressing Climate Change’s Impact on Health:

Minister Al Owais emphasized the importance of addressing climate change’s impact on health. Rising heatwaves and the spread of transmitted infectious diseases threaten individual and community health. 

This underscores the need to establish health systems resilient to climate change’s impacts.

GCC Health Ministers’ Committee Meeting:

The invitation to GCC Health Ministers was extended during the 9th Meeting of the GCC Health Ministers Committee in Oman. 

The meeting covered various aspects of healthcare in the Gulf region, including implementing International Health Regulations, initiatives for healthy cities, and the registration and classification of health specialties. 

The discussions also touched on the Gulf Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the expatriate screening project, unified procurement programs, and more.

Supporting Gulf Initiatives and Cooperation:

The UAE’s participation in the Gulf meeting reflects its commitment to supporting joint Gulf initiatives and strengthening coordination among GCC countries, particularly in the healthcare sector. 

These efforts are part of a broader strategy to advance sustainable development across various sectors, ultimately enhancing Gulf society’s quality of life and well-being.

The UAE is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and collaboration between health ministers on Health Day at COP 28, contributing to global efforts to address the health challenges posed by climate change.

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