The UAE showcases its pioneering experience in building a flexible and innovative health system

The UAE participated in the meeting of health ministers and the joint meeting of finance and health ministers within the G20, which were held in the city of Bolkwane, South Africa, on November 6 and 7, with the participation of ministers and officials from member states and a number of international organizations.

The country’s delegation was headed by Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Community Protection, who confirmed that the UAE’s participation in the two meetings reflects the vision of the wise leadership in consolidating the approach of joint international action and activating multilateral partnerships to achieve global health security, within the country’s commitment to the goals of sustainable development, and in keeping with the country’s trends towards a sustainable and flexible economy based on innovation and partnerships.

The scholars said that the UAE’s participation in the G20 meetings embodies its effective global position in supporting the international health and financial agenda, and based on its influential role in formulating international initiatives and positions in support of sustainability and innovation, and consolidating its position as an active partner in formulating future health and economic policies, which contributes to achieving human well-being and sustainable development at the global level, and reflects the international community’s confidence in its balanced development model based on people, knowledge and partnership.

He pointed out that the UAE gives priority to enhancing the efficiency of health systems and improving the quality of preventive and curative services, with a focus on consolidating the primary health care system and ensuring financial protection for families, developing the capabilities of health personnel, and employing digital technologies and artificial intelligence in developing sustainable and comprehensive health policies that contribute to achieving global health security and raising future readiness.

During the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting, the UAE delegation reviewed the UAE’s pioneering experience in building a flexible and innovative health system based on integration between public health, environment and climate, stressing the importance of sustainable investment in the health workforce in terms of education, qualification, retention and ensuring the quality of professional life.

The delegation also called for adopting an integrated approach to managing cross-sectoral health risks based on scientific evidence and digital innovation, to enhance countries’ capabilities to predict and respond to health crises.

During the joint meeting of finance and health ministers, the UAE welcomed the discussions aimed at enhancing the harmonization of health and financial policies to ensure the sustainability of global health financing, and stressed the importance of working to develop flexible and innovative financing mechanisms that support investment in health systems and enhance economic and social stability.

The country called for expanding international cooperation in the field of global health financing, to ensure equitable distribution of resources and to stimulate partnerships between the government and private sectors to support health innovation and achieve comprehensive growth and more resilient economies, thus enhancing the sustainability of global health systems and the readiness of societies to face future health challenges.