The State of Qatar participated in the second high-level meeting of the United Nations on the fight against tuberculosis.
HE Minister of Public Health (MoPH), Chairperson of the Executive Board of the World Health Organization, Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, represented the State of Qatar in the meeting.
In her remark during the meeting, HE Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari underscored the State of Qatar’s firm position on the collective work to achieve the goals that were agreed upon and determined in the sustainable development plan for 2030, along with the strategy on the fight against tuberculosis.
The State of Qatar has given a top priority to lay out an integrated health care system that offers high-quality preventive and curative health services and adheres to international standards, HE Dr Al Kuwari said, adding that the Qatar national vision 2030 – that sets human development as a core pillar – stresses the importance prioritized for health as a key driver for sustainable development, offering physical and psychological health, as well as welfare for population.
Her Excellency outlined that the second National Health Strategy 2018-2022 laid out a solid foundation to curb health challenges, with a sharp focus on the population’s health and ensure the integrated care for them, particularly with respect to tuberculosis disease, pointing out that MoPH is currently intensifying efforts to launch the third national strategy for health with a special emphasis on curbing tuberculosis.
HE Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari noted that stemming from the global solidarity and cooperation and in alignment with the commitment to promote global endeavors for a healthier and more equitable future for all, the State of Qatar made an additional pledge during the 7th conference for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria for 2022 worth USD50 million for the Global Fund with the total amount of fund reaching USD110 million.
Overall, such consolidated commitment and powerful partnerships undertake a pivotal role in combating communicable diseases, including tuberculosis, Al Kuwari outlined.
HE Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari said she is optimistic the outcomes of the second high-level meeting on the fight against tuberculosis will constitute a critical milestone in the fight against tuberculosis, and ultimately make a tangible difference in the life of millions of people worldwide, notwithstanding the great challenges imposed by COVID-19 Pandemic.
The sustainable health systems, investment in research and development, as well as equitable access to the means of prevention, test, cure, and care are pivotal in alleviating people’s suffering, reducing fatalities, in addition to halting the spread of tuberculosis, Her Excellency said.
Stemming from this, she added, the optimal role carried by the World Health Organization (WHO) is recognized since WHO is the leading entity in health field, along with its unwavering efforts which are highly appreciated in the global response to tuberculosis and in providing counselling and support.
The second high-level meeting of the United Nations on the fight against tuberculosis was held under the theme of: “Advancing science, finance and innovation, and their benefits, to urgently end the global tuberculosis epidemic, in particular, by ensuring equitable access to prevention, testing, treatment and care.” The meeting conducted an overarching review to achieve the goals on tuberculosis as agreed at the national, regional, and international levels in the political declaration of 2018, as well as identify loopholes and solutions to accelerate progress towards ending tuberculosis by 2030.
Source: Qatar News Agency