WHO Director-General Calls for Healthcare to be Actively Protected and Not Attacked

Doha: HE Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus voiced the WHO's deep concern about the increasing number of attacks on the health sector in the Gaza Strip, Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon, and other countries in the region, calling for the need for active protection of the health sector and health care, and not to expose them to targeting under international humanitarian law in all regions. In a speech via video conference during the meetings of the 71st session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, hosted by Doha from Oct. 14-17, His Excellency added that the organization is a key partner in all these conflicts by dealing with more patients and those injured with trauma (wounds and injuries resulting from accidents or violence). HE Director-General of the WHO pointed out that the meetings come at a very difficult time for the region, with conflict in the occupied Palestinian territory, Sudan, Yemen, and now Lebanon. He noted that he visited Suda n a month ago, where he saw the effects of the conflict and the thousands of refugees who left their country in search of security and food. He pointed out that the war in Sudan is a conflict in a region where problems abound, including the war that is raging in the occupied Palestinian territories, for the second year, in which the people of Gaza and the West Bank face increasing threats to their mental and physical health. He noted that last year the WHO worked with its partners to support the health system in Gaza, and health workers, with the best possible provision under extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances. His Excellency added that the eruption of conflict in Lebanon has put the health of millions more people at risk. The number of internally displaced people is growing rapidly, and so is the threat of disease outbreaks, compounded by overcrowding in shelters and the closure of hospitals. He stressed that what the people of the region need is a ceasefire, a political solution, and spreadin g peace because it is the best treatment and its importance lies before care in cases of trauma (wounds and injuries resulting from violence and accidents), psychological, mental and social support and aid. HE Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reviewed the efforts of the WHO during 2023. In addition to these conflicts, the WHO responded to a number of earthquakes, droughts, hurricanes, and outbreaks (epidemics), in addition to the threat of COVID-19 and the threat of future pandemics. It also made great strides in enhancing readiness and the ability to respond to emergency threats, while amending the regulations and systems related to global health. His Excellency urged all member states to continue coordination and consultation in the region and beyond to find common ground to address the various challenges facing the world. He stressed the WHO's continuation of the transformation journey it began more than 70 years ago, to be more effective in its work, more efficient, more transparent, more accountable, and more focused on results. On the other hand, Professor of Global Development Studies and Global Health at the University of Toronto Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish delivered the keynote speech at the 71st session of the Regional Committee, in which he indicated the relationship between health and peace, the impact of war and conflicts on health and well-being, the impact of wars and conflicts in spreading hatred and violence, and their impact on health. Dr. Abuelaish addressed the importance of this meeting in light of the violence, division, and intensity of conflicts witnessed by the world, and the necessity of responding to the needs of the most vulnerable groups, cooperating, and focusing on what unites humanity, provides solutions, provides opportunities, and creates new paths for cooperation. He called for a radical shift toward health and peace as they are closely linked to each other and to build a safer future for health workers who represent a beacon of hope for humanity as well as to address the root caus es of fascism that have produced various cross-border social diseases, such as fear and hatred which in turn lead to wars, violence, and atrocities. Dr. Abuelaish indicated that addressing these issues begins with acknowledging the mistake, adhering to international law and moral duty, and putting humanity first, while recognizing the sanctity of the human being and his freedom. He recalled the hardships and tragedies he had endured, including poverty and violence, and the death of his three daughters and his niece in the 2009 Gaza War, and how he was able to transform his grief into a powerful message of hope and peace. Source: Qatar News Agency