In preparation for the Islamic Conference of Health Ministers which will be headed by the UAE in December this year, Abu Dhabi hosted on October 7 – 8 the sixth meeting of the Lead Country Coordinators Group for the Implementation of the OIC Strategic Health Program of Action, and the 13th meeting of the OIC Steering Committee on Health.
The meeting was attended by H.E. Dr. Hussein Abdel Rahman Al-Rand, Undersecretary of the Ministry’s Health Assistant Sector, Health Centers and Clinics, Dr. Issa Al Mansouri, Director of the Undersecretary Office and Director of the International Health Relations.
In this regard, H.E. Dr. Hussein Abdel Rahman Al-Rand underlined the importance of both meetings of the strategic program of action coordinators and the steering committee as well. This is part of the efforts made to reinforce the cooperation with the OIC Member States at all levels, especially the health aspect.
Al-Rand stated that the UAE, represented by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) alongside other health authorities, play a key role in bolstering the OIC’s strategic policies and plans, most notably the OIC Strategic Health Program of Action (2014 – 2023).
“The UAE is sharing with the OIC Member States the efforts exerted to confront health challenges. This stems from the UAE’s belief in the importance of Islamic consensus,” he added. Al-Rand commended the OIC’s efforts in enhancing the joint efforts in the health field.The Key Thematic Areas of the Strategic Health Program of Action
He pointed out that the Meeting of the Lead Country Coordinators Group discussed several reports on the implementation of priority activities for the period 2017-2019, as well as consideration of priority activities for the period (2019-2021).
The six key thematic areas of the Strategic Health Program of Action Implementation Plan include; health system strengthening, disease prevention and control, maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition, medicines, vaccines and medical technologies, emergency health response and interventions, and information, research, education, and advocacy.
Preparation of Working Documents for the Next Edition
Al-Rand went on saying: “The 13th Meeting of the OIC Steering Committee on Health reviewed the report of the sixth meeting of the working group on climate change, the implementation of the decisions of the sixth edition of the Islamic Conference of Health Ministers, discussion of the final documents of the meeting of the heads of the National Drug Authority in the Member States and the activities of the Consultative Group on the eradication of polio.
The Committee also considered draft working documents for the Seventh Edition of the Islamic Conference of Health Ministers.