In a groundbreaking partnership, the Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, have unveiled the Doha Global South Health Policy Initiative. This initiative aims to sister collaborative dialogue and learning among senior public health officers from low and middle-income countries, addressing pressing challenges and identifying areas for international support. 

H.E Dr, Hanan Al-Kuwari, Managing Director of Hamad Medical Corporation and an award winner of the "Best Minister Award" at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, emphasized the urgency of improving access to primary healthcare services. Dr. Hanan stated, "Despite major improvements over the last decades, access to primary health care, even the most basic health services is a challenge in a number of countries." She highlighted Qatar's outstanding primary healthcare system as a model for others to benchmark and express readiness to support lower-middle-income countries through expertise exchange and training. Dr. Hanan added, "Primary healthcare is not just a component of healthcare, it is the foundation upon which the health and well-being of populations are built."

According to Lolwah Al-Khater, Minister of State for International Corporation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Qatar has been increasingly active in covering discussions on development priorities in the global south. She noted, "The Doha Global South Health Policy Initiative on health policy fits well within the development agenda." Lolwah emphasized the initiative's alignment with Qatar's development agenda and collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support development priorities. 

Watch the complete event here. 

The initiative brings together representatives from nine global south countries and key Qatari stakeholders to address challenges and explore implementable solutions to enhance access to primary healthcare services. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, the Doha Global South Health Policy Initiative aims to promote equity and social justice by addressing the foundational aspects of healthcare provision. 

---

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content. 

Instagram - @qatarliving

X - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial