New York: Qatar participated in the second high-level meeting of the United Nations on the fight against tuberculosis.
Minister of Public Health and Chairperson of the Executive Board of WHO, H E Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, represented Qatar in the meeting.
In her remark at the meeting, Dr. Al Kuwari underscored Qatar's firm position on the collective work to achieve the goals agreed upon and determined in the sustainable development plan for 2030, along with the strategy on the fight against tuberculosis.
Qatar has given a top priority to lay out an integrated healthcare system that offers high-quality preventive and curative health services and adheres to international standards, the minister said, adding that Qatar National Vision 2030, which has human development as its core pillar, stresses the importance of prioritising health as a key driver for sustainable development, offering physical and psychological health, as well as welfare for population.
She said Qatar's National Health Strategy 2018-2022 laid out a solid foundation to address health challenges, with a focus on integrated care for all, 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.
Dr. Al Kuwari noted that stemming from the global solidarity and cooperation and in alignment with the commitment to promote global endeavours for a healthier and more equitable future for all, Qatar made an additional pledge during the 7th conference for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria for 2022 worth $50m for the Global Fund with the total amount of fund reaching $110m.
The Minister 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, she said.
Stemming from this, she added, the optimal role carried by the WHO is recognised 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 “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.
