Kuwait's health minister underscores significance of Arab action

Kuwait's Health Minister Dr. Ali Saad Al-Obaidi underlined here on Thursday the importance of Arab common action, Arab coordination and exchange of views in health field as a nucleus for sustainable and comprehensive development.
A-Obaidi made the remark during his speech at the 43rd session of Arab Health Ministers Council at the Cairo-based Arab League General Secretariat with the participation of some regional and international organizations and Arab councils and unions specialized in health fields.
The 43rd session is being held amid critical circumstances in the region that cast their shadows on achievements by Arab countries in this regard, he said, indicating these circumstances impede carrying out health programs and threaten health security in the region.
This requires cooperation to face challenges through exchanging views and ideas and launching initiatives as well as sharing common stances at international health forums, he pointed out.
These challenges include public health emergency, Ebola virus, bird flu and health security as well as some behaviors and violence which have negative impacts on health, he said.
He stated that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's USD five million-donation to the World Health Organization (WHO) for combating Ebola virus was highly commended.
He added that the session's agenda involves several topics related to these challenges that need resolutions so as to meet the aspirations of people.
The minister affirmed the need to prioritize caring for elderly and children with disabilities.
The 43rd session's agenda includes also health situations in Palestine and preparations for the coming Arab economic, social and development summit as well as Arab strategy for fighting AIDS and Arab efforts exerted to combat Ebola virus, he pointed out.