CAIRO: Oman, represented by the Ministry of Health, on Wednesday took part in the 73rd session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean (RC73), hosted by Egypt in Cairo. The delegation was headed by Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health and Vice-Chairman of the Bureau of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean. Held under the theme "Together for a Healthier Future: Action, Access, Equity", the session brings together health leaders and decision-makers from across the region to discuss shared public health challenges.
In Oman's statement, Al Sabti called for continued investment in resilient health systems built on primary healthcare and universal health coverage, ensuring continuity of services and equitable access, particularly for the most vulnerable and those affected by crises. He said Oman continues to turn these priorities into national action. In prevention and health security, it has maintained polio immunisation coverage above 99 per cent while strengthening its surveillance, preparedness and response systems. It also continues its efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), guided by the commitments of the 2022 Muscat Ministerial Declaration and the One Health approach.
Al Sabti said digital transformation, data and artificial intelligence offered a strategic opportunity to advance health systems across the region. He called for clear governance frameworks, better interoperability and the responsible, trustworthy use of technology to improve the quality of healthcare and support evidence-based decision-making.
He said the challenges facing the region called for greater solidarity and collective action, more exchange of expertise and data, and capacity-building, alongside support for countries affected by conflicts and emergencies. He also underlined the importance of protecting health workers and healthcare facilities and keeping essential services running for affected populations, and reaffirmed Oman's support for the Regional Office and its commitment to continued cooperation with WHO and member states.
The WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean presented the Annual Report for 2025/2026. The agenda includes health financing to strengthen financial protection, a multi-communicable disease elimination approach, health emergencies and polio eradication. Participants will also review technical resolutions, the proposed Programme Budget for 2028-2029 and resolutions adopted by the 79th World Health Assembly, and the session will close with a panel discussion on artificial intelligence for health in the region. — ONA
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