BAGHDAD: The Council of Arab Health Ministers concluded its 61st session in Baghdad, emphasizing the need for collaboration among member states and the World Health Organization to bolster health sectors across the region. The council resolved to support six Arab countries facing significant health challenges.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Health Minister Saleh Al-Hasnawi, speaking at a joint press conference, highlighted the presence of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and heads of Arab delegations at the meeting. The council made decisions to aid the health sectors in Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria, addressing critical shortages such as the lack of medicines in the Gaza Strip and the need for support in Syria following recent events.

The meetings also tackled broader health issues affecting the Arab world, including maternal and youth health, the digitization of health systems, and the enhancement of health training through the Arab Board Council. Minister Al-Hasnawi
noted that all decisions to support these sectors were unanimously approved.

Furthermore, Minister Al-Hasnawi announced Iraq’s plans to host the regular session of the Council of Arab Youth Ministers next month and the Arab Summit the following year, underscoring Iraq’s role in fostering regional cooperation.