Polokwane: The UAE actively participated in the G20 Health Ministers Meeting and the G20 Joint Finance and Health Ministers Meeting held in Polokwane, South Africa, on November 6th and 7th. These meetings convened ministers and senior officials from member states alongside representatives from various international organizations.
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE delegation was headed by Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention. Dr. Al Olama emphasized that the UAE's involvement underscores its leadership's dedication to fostering international cooperation and enabling partnerships to enhance global health security. The participation aligns with the UAE's commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and its vision of constructing a sustainable, resilient, and innovation-driven economy.
Dr. Al Olama highlighted the UAE's significant role in the global health and finance agenda, demonstrating its commitment to shaping international initiatives that support sustainability and innovation. He reiterated the nation's determination to contribute proactively to the formulation of future health and economic policies aimed at promoting human wellbeing and sustainable development. The UAE is recognized for its balanced development model that prioritizes people, knowledge, and partnerships.
The UAE's health priorities include enhancing system efficiency, improving preventive and curative services, promoting primary health care, ensuring financial protection for families, and advancing the skills of health personnel. The delegation also emphasized the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in the creation of sustainable health policies contributing to global health security.
During the G20 Health Ministers Meeting, the UAE showcased its experience in developing a resilient health system that integrates public health with environmental and climate considerations. It stressed the importance of investing in health workers' training and support to ensure their well-being. The delegation advocated for a cross-sectoral approach to managing health risks, using scientific evidence and digital innovation to enhance crisis response capabilities.
At the G20 Joint Finance and Health Ministers Meeting, the UAE supported discussions on aligning fiscal and health policies for sustainable global health financing. The nation highlighted the need for innovative financing mechanisms to stimulate investment in health systems and promote economic stability. The UAE called for stronger international cooperation and public-private partnerships to drive health innovation and ensure equitable resource distribution, enhancing health system sustainability and readiness for future challenges.