Doha: Organized by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in collaboration with the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, the Healthy Cities Workshop focused on promoting multisectoral action and monitoring urban wellbeing. This initiative conceptualized a national roadmap for Healthy Cities, aligning with Qatar's public health, environmental, and development strategies.
According to Qatar News Agency, the workshop is part of joint efforts between MoPH and the WHO Regional Office to launch a long-term national dialogue on urban health. It marks the beginning of a collaborative process that will evolve through organizing a series of workshops designed to address urban health challenges through multisectoral action.
The workshop aimed to foster an open dialogue among key stakeholders about the current status of implementing Healthy Cities in Qatar. It reviewed lessons learned from past efforts, highlighted ongoing successes, and identified gaps and challenges. Participants discussed governance and coordination issues impacting multisectoral work, suggesting possible improvements and conceptualizing a national roadmap for Healthy Cities. This roadmap aligns with Qatar's public health, environmental, and development strategies.
Assistant Minister of Public Health for Health Affairs, Dr. Saleh Ali Al Marri, emphasized that Qatar continues its efforts to promote urban well-being and healthy living environments for all. He noted the commitment of municipalities, Education City, and Qatar University to promoting environments that prioritize health, equality, and sustainability.
Chair of the Healthy Cities Network of Qatar, Dr. Sadriya Al Kohji, highlighted that the workshop serves as a platform for brainstorming and reflection. It explores successes achieved through the Healthy Cities Program in Qatar and addresses structural and operational barriers. The discussions contribute to defining strategic directions and laying the foundation for a national roadmap for healthy cities until 2030.
Member of the Healthy Cities Network at the Ministry of Municipality, Najla Khaled Al Mulla, emphasized the importance of reactivating the Healthy Cities Network. This step aims to enhance the health of the population and improve their quality of life by making cities more sustainable and healthier through coordination at the municipal level.
Regional Adviser for Health Promotion and Social Determinants of Health at WHO, Dr. Samar El Feky, noted Qatar's pioneering achievement of having all its cities and municipalities recognized as 'Healthy Cities.' A delegation is conducting a re-evaluation visit to assess progress, scale-up interventions, and ensure sustainability. Dr. El Feky stated that Qatar remains a regional and global model for promoting health by implementing healthy settings and addressing health determinants.