During the 61st session of the Council of Arab Health Ministers, held in Baghdad, Iraq, plans to bolster Arab pharmaceutical capabilities and adopt health-friendly budget strategies were discussed. The session, spanning two days, saw participation from Libya’s Minister of Health appointed by the Temporary National Unity Government, Ramadan Abu Janah, along with other high-ranking officials from Arab countries.
The Council approved Libya’s request to host the upcoming 62nd session, with a proposal submitted to the technical secretariat to finalize the date for the event.
The meeting addressed significant health issues of mutual interest among Arab states, focusing on the health and humanitarian situations in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen, and their urgent health needs. Discussions also covered the role of Arab health professionals abroad in supporting the health sector in Arab countries and the importance of activating their contributions to improve health services.
In his speech, Abu Janah emphasized the meeting as a manifestation of Arab cooperation in public health and reiterated the commitment to enhancing the welfare of Arab populations and achieving health security in the region, as stated in a Facebook post by the Ministry.
The Council reviewed decisions by the Economic and Social Council of the Arab League regarding the establishment of the Arab Agency for Medicines. This agency is seen as a pivotal step in enhancing Arab pharmaceutical capabilities and ensuring the availability of high-quality, affordable medical supplies.
In efforts to develop Arab health systems, the Council called for the adoption of health-friendly budget strategies and the advancement of digital transformation in health services. The meeting also highlighted the importance of strengthening Arab integration in medical research, expertise exchange, and the development of health infrastructure to meet the aspirations of the region’s populations.
