LOC21:10
18:10 GMT
GENEVA, May 21 (KUNA) -- Kuwaiti Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi affirmed on Wednesday Kuwait's commitment to supporting regional cooperation in response to ongoing crises, and to build more equitable and resilient health systems, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
This came in during a speech delivered by Al-Awadhi before the World Health Assembly, the highest decision-making body in the World Health Organization (WHO), currently holding its 78th session in Geneva under the name 'One World For Health.'
Al-Awadhi stated that health systems are exhausted and difficult to access due to compound effects of armed conflicts, ongoing emergencies, forced displacement, increased non-communicable diseases, deteriorating mental health, food insecurity, and accelerating climate change impacts.
In return, Al-Awadhi expressed Kuwait's satisfaction with the adoption of the International Pandemic Agreement, considering a 'pivotal step' towards enhancing global health security and response efforts.
Al-Awadhi affirmed that Kuwait continues to implement its strategies aimed at achieving universal health coverage, enhancing health systems, improving health services, as well as enhancing policies related to mothers, infants, and the environment.
He reiterated Kuwait's emphasis on providing 'sustainable, flexible, and predictable' funding to ensure continued operation of the WHO and to enhance its readiness to face health emergencies.
Kuwait has reaffirmed its commitment to working "closely" with the WHO and member states, to enhance bilateral, regional, and international cooperation in support of sustainable development goals, and to building more equitable and robust health systems. (end)
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