Minister of Health Affirms Iraq's Commitment to the "Help Gaza" Campaign Launched by the Prime Minister
The ministry said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Health Minister Saleh al-Hasnawi chaired the 62nd session of the Council of Arab Health Ministers, held at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly, in the presence of the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Ambassador Abdul Karim Hashim Mustafa."
The statement added, "The Minister began his speech by thanking the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Chairman of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Health Ministers, for his efforts during the previous session. He praised the role of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, represented by Ambassador Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, in the success of this session. He also called for strengthening Arab coordination to advance health systems and confront common challenges."
"Al-Hasnawi highlighted the humanitarian situation in Gaza Strip, noting the recent martyrdom of more than 1,900 people, bringing the total number to more than 51,000, most of whom are women and children, and the near-total collapse of the health system."
According to the statement, the Minister of Health called for "intensifying urgent medical support to the Strip," stressing "Iraq's commitment to the "Help Gaza" campaign launched by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and the readiness of Iraqi health institutions to provide the necessary support."
"Al-Hasnawi appreciated the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's hosting of the meeting of the Technical Committee on Medical Tourism, the State of Qatar's hosting of the meeting of the Arab Authority for Blood Transfusion Services and the 14th Conference on Blood Transfusion Medicine, and the State of Kuwait's readiness to host the 15th Arab Blood Transfusion Conference in 2026."
He added that "the Council discussed support for the Arab Committee for Emergency Preparedness and Response, praising the role of the Arab Council for Health Specializations in preparing specialized courses. They also discussed the issue of combating narcotics and psychotropic substances, developing awareness programs, and emphasizing the activation of the visiting physician system to exchange expertise between Arab countries."
"The Council commended the efforts of the Minister of Health in managing the current session, which was characterized by high professionalism and effective presentation of priority health issues. The Council also thanked Iraq for the excellent organization and management of the Council of Arab Ministers of Health, held in Baghdad, and for the diligent and serious follow-up on the implementation of its decisions. Minister Al-Hasnawi expressed Iraq's support for the draft agreement for the Arab Drug Agency, appreciating the efforts of the Arab Republic of Egypt in its preparation."
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