H E Dr Sa’eedi takes part in event on accelerating progress towards health SDGs
As part of the high-level Political Forum 2021 on Sustainable Development, H E Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Sa’eedi, Minister of Health took part on Tuesday in a virtual side event ‘Accelerating progress towards the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a time of crisis: solutions for an equitable and resilient recovery’.
The sultanate was selected to participate in this event for its international and health stature among the states of the region.
The event highlighted the centrality of health for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the need for multilateral collaboration to address the challenges the world is facing.
The event emphasised the relevance of health across the SDGs and why multilateral collaboration is key to overcome the pandemic, improve health security and accelerate progress to deliver on our vision to achieve healthy lives and wellbeing for all by 2030.
The Minister of Health stressed that the SDGs represent a roadmap for a better future that inspires action and cooperation among diverse actors and agents of change, while simultaneously offering flexibility in adjusting pathways based on country contexts.
Health is central to this roadmap because it is an important tool for building sustainable and equitable systems. Health can play a role in promoting peace, and encouraging dialogue across divergent parties as it is a birthright for all.
Therefore, the sultanate is consolidating the Global Health for Peace Initiative (the GHPI), which was inspired by WHO’s Health as a Bridge for Peace framework.
In addition, H E Dr Sa’eedi touched upon the importance of achieving the SDG 10 on reducing inequalities and disparities, as it will ensure equitable access to essential services, universal health coverage, and financial protection.
He also addressed the SDG 16 by promoting peace, justice and stronger institutions will have positive impacts on the health and wellbeing of individuals, leading to more prosperous and productive populations.
Moreover, the virtual event discussed the acceleration solutions, which include primary healthcare as an accelerator for recovery, boosting resilience to future shocks and enhancing health security, equity-focused approaches and the importance of multisectoral action, data and accountability to reach the most vulnerable, as well as strengthened collaboration as indispensable to support countries in implementing their acceleration approaches.