RC71 concludes in Doha
17 October 2024, Doha, Qatar – The Seventy-first session of the Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean (RC71), held under the theme Health Beyond Borders, concluded today in Qatar.
Following 4 days of intense discussions and the exchange of views and experiences between ministers of health and representatives of Member States, partner organizations and WHO experts, RC71 adopted a series of resolutions that aim to translate words into concrete policies and actions.
“I would like to thank Qatar for their generous hospitality and excellent organization,” said Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy.
“I also thank their Excellencies the ministers of health, heads of delegations and delegates for their dedication, wisdom and knowledge. We have enjoyed exceptionally rich and productive discussions throughout the past 4 days. Our meetings were a great opportunity to remind ourselves of what we can do.”
Held from 14 to 17 October 2024, RC71 convened as the Region is facing an unprecedented series of emergencies. The 12-month war in Gaza, conflicts in Lebanon, Sudan and Yemen and prolonged crises in Afghanistan, Somalia and other countries claim precious lives every minute.
Against this disturbing backdrop, the Region was able to make substantial gains, not least in communicable disease control. Gulf countries expanded their healthy cities programmes, Egypt consolidated its position as a world leader in hepatitis C elimination and has gone on to eliminate malaria, Jordan became the first country to eliminate leprosy and Pakistan eliminated trachoma.
Among other standout stories, the Islamic Republic of Iran put family education at the
