Latest news with #FahadAlJalajel
Arab News
2 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia elected vice chair of WHO Executive Board
GENEVA: Saudi Arabia was elected Friday as vice chair of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Executive Board for the 2025–2028 term. The election was held during the board's first meeting of its 57th session in Geneva following the conclusion of the 78th session of the World Health Assembly. Saudi Arabia's delegation to the session was led by Rakan Khalid Bin Dohaish, Ministry of Health undersecretary for international cooperation, reporesenting Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel, SPA reported. Composed of 34 members from various member states, the WHO Executive Board is responsible for implementing the resolutions and recommendations of the World Health Assembly — the supreme decision-making body of the WHO. The Executive Board oversees priority health programs and policies at both regional and international levels. Elected chairman of the Executive Board was Australia, represented by Blair Comley, secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Also elected to the Board's three other vice chair positions were Norway, Togo and Thailand. A statement by the Saudi delegation, quoted by SPA, said the Kingdom's election to the WHO Executive Board underscores "the growing international confidence in the Kingdom's leadership and its significant role in advancing global public health." According to the WHO, Saudi Arabia has since 2018 consistently supported the organization, contributing over $385 million to global health initiatives and emergency-related operations in various countries including the occupied Palestinian territories, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Iraq, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.
Asharq Al-Awsat
3 days ago
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Elected Vice-Chairman of WHO Executive Board
Saudi Arabia participated as a newly elected member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board for the 2025–2028 term during the board's first meeting of its 57th session, recently held in Geneva following the conclusion of the 78th session of the World Health Assembly. During its current session, the WHO Executive Board elected Saudi Arabia as vice-chairman, underscoring the growing international confidence in the Kingdom's leadership and its significant role in advancing global public health, as well as its commitment to supporting the WHO in addressing health challenges, SPA reported. Saudi Arabia was elected to the WHO Executive Board for a three-year term as part of the decisions made during the 78th session of the World Health Assembly, which concluded this week in Geneva. The Executive Board is composed of 34 members representing various member states and plays a crucial role in implementing the resolutions and recommendations of the World Health Assembly. It also oversees priority health programs and policies at both regional and international levels. On behalf of Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel, the Kingdom's delegation was led by Ministry of Health Undersecretary for International Cooperation Rakan bin Khaled bin Dheish.
Al Arabiya
3 days ago
- General
- Al Arabiya
Five heat exhaustion cases reported among Hajj pilgrims: Saudi health ministry
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health has confirmed five cases of heat exhaustion among Hajj pilgrims amid rising summer temperatures at the holy sites. All individuals affected received immediate medical attention and are currently in stable condition, the ministry said in a statement shared with Al Arabiya English. Health teams remain on high alert to respond swiftly to similar cases as part of the Kingdom's broader commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims. The ministry urged pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and follow official health guidelines – such as using shaded walkways, wearing appropriate protective gear, and seeking help at the first signs of fatigue. To support these efforts, multilingual awareness campaigns have been launched, and field preparedness has been reinforced, particularly in response to seasonal heat risks. These measures are part of Saudi Arabia's comprehensive health strategy to ensure a safe and healthy pilgrimage experience for millions of worshippers from around the world, the ministry said. Earlier this week Saudi Minister of Health Fahad al-Jalajel confirmed that there are no reports of epidemic cases or risk of outbreaks as pilgrims began arriving in the Kingdom for the Hajj season. 'We are pleased to announce that no epidemic cases have been detected so far and there is no risk for outbreak of diseases. The health and safety of pilgrims remain our highest priority,' said al-Jalajel in an official statement shared with Al Arabiya English.
Arab News
4 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia unveils robotic surgery program ahead of Hajj 2025
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia's Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel inaugurated a surgical robotics program at King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah as part of the Kingdom's preparations to ensure world-class healthcare during Hajj 2025. The robotic surgery unit, operated by Saudi surgeons, will enable minimally invasive procedures in areas such as thoracic surgery, urology, and oncology. The technology is expected to shorten recovery time, reduce surgical risks, and significantly enhance the quality of patient care, the Ministry of Health said in press release on Thursday. 'This project represents a major leap in our healthcare capabilities during the Hajj season,' said Al-Jalajel. 'We are harnessing innovation to ensure that pilgrims receive the highest level of medical care, in line with the Vision 2030 goals of improving health services and integrating advanced technologies,' he added. In addition to the robotic surgery unit, the minister unveiled a new PET-CT scanner, the first of its kind in the ministry's facilities in the Western Region. The advanced imaging device will provide precise diagnostics for conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders, and will support the early detection and treatment of critical cases. The initiatives are part of a broader national effort to raise the standards of healthcare provided to pilgrims. The Kingdom has already launched multilingual health awareness campaigns, deployed mobile infectious disease units, and increased medical capacity across the holy sites. With more than 50,000 healthcare professionals and advanced technologies in place, Saudi Arabia is aiming to make Hajj 2025 not only spiritually fulfilling but also medically safe and secure for all pilgrims.
Gulf Business
6 days ago
- General
- Gulf Business
Saudi Health Minister reports no epidemic threats during Hajj; see services in place
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes Saudi Arabia's Minister of Health, Fahad Al-Jalajel, announced on Monday that no epidemic cases have been detected among pilgrims during the ongoing Hajj season, affirming that there is no risk of disease outbreaks. 'We are pleased to announce that no epidemic cases have been detected so far and there is no risk for outbreak of diseases. The health and safety of pilgrims remain our highest priority,' Al-Jalajel stated during a press conference in Riyadh. The kingdom's extensive preparedness for Hajj 2025 has been guided by the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, involving close cooperation across public, private, and non-governmental sectors. Health authorities began Hajj readiness months in advance, conducting global health risk assessments for diseases such as yellow fever, polio, and meningitis. These efforts led to the implementation of strict health entry requirements and the introduction of new 'health capability' criteria to ensure pilgrims are medically fit to perform the rituals safely. Medical services already in place to support Hajj pilgrims Since the arrival of the first flight under the To date, over 50,000 healthcare services have been delivered, including 140 surgeries, 65 cardiac catheterisations, and six open-heart procedures. To bolster emergency response capabilities, the Ministry of Health has activated 11 medical evacuation aircraft, 900 ambulances, and 71 new emergency points, with more than 7,500 paramedics deployed on the ground. In anticipation of extreme heat conditions, the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites has planted over 10,000 trees, expanded shaded walkways, and installed 400 water stations and mist fans. The ministry has also significantly enhanced health infrastructure at the holy sites. Bed capacity has increased by 60 per cent compared to last year, with a new emergency hospital featuring 200 beds inaugurated in Mina. Additionally, three field hospitals totalling more than 1,200 beds have been deployed in collaboration with the Ministries of Defense, Interior, and National Guard. This year marks the highest-ever private sector involvement in Hajj healthcare, with three major private hospitals operating in the holy sites. Advanced digital solutions are being utilised, including smart monitoring devices for high-risk pilgrims connected to Seha Virtual Hospital — recognised as the world's largest virtual hospital — and telemedicine services for remote consultations. Over 50,000 healthcare and technical professionals are working with full readiness to ensure the health and safety of pilgrims. Al-Jalajel urged pilgrims to He emphasised that 'awareness, prevention, and responsibility are not only personal choices — but religious and humanitarian obligations to protect the health and safety of all pilgrims.'
