Brazil: The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), participated in the G20 Health Ministers Meeting and G20 Joint Finance and Health Ministers meeting hosted by Brazil from 29-31 October. The meetings aimed to discuss global health challenges, identify strategic priorities, and develop long-term plans to build resilient health systems, contributing to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE delegation was led by Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention. The delegation included Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al Serkal, Director-General of Emirates Health Services (EHS), Nasser Al Badour, Assistant Under-Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dr Abdullah Al Naqbi, Executive Director of Supporting Health Services at EHS, and other officials. Saleh Ahmed Alsuwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Brazil, also attended the high-level discussions, which focused on climate change-related health challenges, health equi
ty, the One Health approach, antimicrobial resistance, epidemic preparedness, and research and development to strengthen health systems.
In a joint meeting with finance ministers, discussions explored ways to enhance epidemic preparedness funding, intensify investment in sustainable development goals, and ensure better integration between the health and finance sectors to strengthen collaborative efforts in addressing global health challenges.
The UAE’s involvement in the G20 Health Ministers Meeting highlights its commitment to international collaboration and supporting global health systems, aligning with the UAE Centennial 2071 goals of enhancing life quality and fostering a prosperous future for coming generations.
The participation also reflects the UAE’s advocacy for a multilateral approach, positioning itself as a strategic international partner in advancing health security and promoting societal well-being. Through sustained efforts, the UAE strives to enhance health outcomes and ensure equitable a
ccess to healthcare services worldwide.
Al Owais emphasized that tackling climate change requires a comprehensive approach and coordinated action at all levels, with health systems playing a critical role. He stressed the need to develop resilient health infrastructure and comprehensive policies addressing environmental, social, and economic factors that increase health risks associated with climate change, highlighting the importance of equitable healthcare access for vulnerable populations.
Recognizing the link between climate change and health, the UAE is working to build climate-resilient health systems, incorporating national adaptation plans that include early warning systems and vulnerability assessments. Through cross-border collaboration, the UAE aims to develop effective responses to climate-induced illnesses, which may disproportionately affect certain groups.
Al Owais stated that the UAE prioritizes the One Health approach within its national health policies, adopting a forward-looking strategy
to boost epidemic preparedness and foster cross-sector collaboration among health, environmental, and related fields. To support this, the UAE is accelerating efforts to enhance governance, implement effective policies and legislation, invest in research, leverage technology, and build integrated surveillance systems to address infectious and zoonotic diseases.
He commended the G20 nations for integrating this approach into global health policies, emphasizing its role in combating antibiotic resistance and neglected tropical diseases while also strengthening health systems’ preparedness for future emergencies.
Al Owais also acknowledged the World Health Organisation (WHO) for promoting equity and sustainability in global health. He reaffirmed the UAE’s strong support for WHO’s mission and expressed the nation’s commitment to contributing to global efforts for a healthier and more sustainable future.
Digital health is viewed by the UAE as a crucial tool for enhancing access to healthcare by building a robus
t infrastructure aligned with the G20 vision. Al Owais welcomed the inclusion of the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience in the G20 Health Ministerial Declaration on Climate Change, Health and Equity, and One Health, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to collaborating with international partners to establish a health system resilient to climate impacts on public health.
His Excellency expressed appreciation for Brazil’s leadership in organizing a successful summit, highlighting the importance of cooperation and partnership among G20 countries in shaping unified policies and establishing key health priorities for the year. Al Owais emphasized the significance of activating joint action, stating that international coordination and cross-sector integration are essential for enhancing health systems’ efficiency and finding effective solutions to global challenges that no single country or sector can tackle alone.
‘The UAE is deeply committed to supporting global collaborative efforts to build a healthier
and more equitable future for all and will continue to play an active role in promoting the health and well-being of communities worldwide,’ he concluded.