Her Excellency Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari, Minister of Public Health participated as a keynote speaker in the high-level meeting through video communication on the role and impact of women leaders in combating the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The meeting was organized by the State of Qatar represented by the permanent delegation of the State of Qatar to the United Nations in New York, in addition to Costa Rica, Italy, Kenya, Lebanon, Nigeria, Sweden, and the African Union.

The meeting reviewed how the pandemic affects women and girls and a variety of risk factors that need to be addressed immediately.

In the meeting, HE Dr. Al-Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, reviewed the crucial role of women in Qatar during this pandemic, noting that women constitute a high percentage of health cadres working in the first ranks to confront the outbreak and protect society.

Minster of Public Health presents, at high level meeting held via video conference, the important role played by women in fighting COVID-19 in Qatar, pointing that they form a big portion of health workers in the front lines facing the pandemic and protecting the community. #QNA pic.twitter.com/mDmPGI5kG8

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) June 6, 2020

HE Dr. Al-Kuwari also praised about the efforts made by Qatar to combat COVID-19, through a comprehensive approach characterized by coordinated efforts between various sectors in the country, and according to a national response action plan that was prepared to protect members of society as a whole, taking into account the special needs of women in Qatar.

HE Dr. Al-Kuwari stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation and exchanging experiences in facing the pandemic, noting that Qatar is working under the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has been working on promoting the international co-operation and the humanitarian solidarity to curb COVID-19 and enhance the rapid response to its repercussions.

Qatar provided medical assistance to more than 20 countries, in addition to financial contributions of $140mn to multilateral healthcare institutions working in vaccine development.

On Thursday, June 4, 2020, HH the Amir announced a new pledge by Qatar to provide $20mn to the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) in the Global Vaccine Summit 2020.

HE Dr. Al-Kuwari also stated the important role played by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser at the local and international levels, noting that Her Highness joined the global initiative "Rise for All" which includes a group of global women leaders, which comes within the framework of support for the invitation launched by the Secretary-General of the Nations United Solidarity and Collective Action to address the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting highlighted issues, most importantly, the role of women in global health, the overall impact of the COVID-19 on women, the benefit of health policies and programs designed and implemented by women leaders, the role of sympathy and care in combating COVID-19, global cooperation and solidarity to combat the pandemic, and to ensure that women and girls are at the heart of the socioeconomic response and social protection efforts to recover from COVID-19, including by ensuring that economic stimulus specifically targeted at women.

The meeting also discussed the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of women and girls, and ways to make sure that all political responses to the crisis consider the unique needs, responsibilities, and perceptions of women.

According to a study by the World Health Organization, women working in the health sector constitute 67% of the workforce in 104 countries.

Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself.  To know more about testing for COVID-19, click here.

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Source: MOPH