UAE invites GCC health ministers to attend COP 28

The UAE has invited health ministers of GCC countries to attend COP28's first conference dedicated to positioning health at the forefront of climate discussions.

UAE's Minister of Health and Prevention Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais said the 'Health Day' on December 3 will see "health ministers from most countries of the world" meet to "exchange ideas, views and experiences and develop future plans to address climate change globally".

They will "discuss how to ensure food security, and expand access to healthcare services for all. Additionally, their collective efforts will be directed towards the establishment of equitable and climate-resilient health systems.

"Strengthening a healthy response to climate change is crucial, as the rise in heat waves and the proliferation of transmitted infectious diseases increasingly jeopardize individual and community health. This situation highlights the imperative to establish health systems that are resilient to the impacts of climate change," Al Owais added.

At a recent GCC Health Ministers Committee meeting in Oman, the UAE emphasized its commitment to joint Gulf health initiatives and sustainable development across sectors.

Topics during the GCC meeting ranged from health regulations, and healthy city initiatives, to the Gulf Virtual Health Complex.

COP28 will be held in Dubai from November 30 to December 12.