Al-Obaidi urges more efforts to materialize health-related SDGs

CAIRO, Oct 3 (KUNA) -- Kuwait's Minister of Health Ali Al-Obaidi has underlined the importance of materializing sustainable development goals (SDGs) of 2030 which prioritize health sector.
Speaking at the opening of the 63rd session of the World Health Organization (WHO)'s Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean in Cairo Monday, Al-Obaidi, who headed the previous session, said that the 62nd session has made remarkable developments in coordinating regional countries' efforts to overcome the unprecedented health challenges. He, however, noted that there still much to be done to put the SDGs in place.
Efforts need to be doubled with the highest level of commitments for that purpose, he stressed.
He accentuated that the international organization is going ahead with its health enhancement program, especially its plans to protect people against non-communicable diseases.
He added that the organization is also following up the implementation of the Tobacco Control Framework Convention.
Health ministers and high-level representatives of the 22 countries and territories of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, partner organizations and civil society, are taking part in the regional which lasts till October 6th.
The meeting tackles key technical health issues including: scaling up family practice: progressing towards universal health coverage, assistive technologies for all, and strategic frameworks for strengthening health laboratories and blood transfusion services.
The 4-day program also includes progress reports on: eradication of poliomyelitis; emerging and re-emerging diseases, including dengue and dengue; haemorrhagic fever; prevention and control of non-communicable diseases; implementation of the International Health Regulations; universal health coverage and the development of a package of essential health services. (end) ms.ibi