Kuwait city: Kuwaiti Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, who serves as the Chairman of the GCC Health Ministers' Committee, has announced that health cooperation among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states is making steady progress toward enhanced services. This announcement was made during the 11th committee meeting, which Kuwait had the privilege of hosting.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Minister Al-Awadhi emphasized the strong collaboration within the Gulf region and a shared commitment to prioritizing the health of GCC citizens. Central to the meeting's agenda was the Gulf Strategy for Combating Drugs (2025-2028), which aims to create a unified response to cross-border threats that require coordinated efforts to protect the youth and secure the region's future.
The meeting also addressed the Gulf Public Health Plan (2026-2030), intended to serve as an integrated roadmap focusing on prevention, regional integration, and positioning health as a pillar of sustainable development. Minister Al-Awadhi highlighted the importance of International Health Regulations in enhancing GCC preparedness for epidemics and showcased the Healthy Cities Initiative as a model for integrating health into urban development.
He further noted that digital transformation and innovation are critical to advancing Gulf health systems, with the GCC Innovation and Excellence Award encouraging creativity and supporting excellence in the sector. The meeting acts as a platform to unify visions and shape a shared Gulf health future, with hopes for outcomes that will advance progress and bolster the GCC's regional and global standing.
Minister Al-Awadhi extended his gratitude to Qatar for its distinguished leadership of the Ministerial and Technical Committees in 2024, acknowledging its role in advancing joint Gulf cooperation. He also expressed thanks to the GCC General Secretariat, technical committees, and organizers for their efforts in making the meeting a success.