Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel participated in a panel discussion on the future of global health, at the World Economic Forum Special Meeting, held in Riyadh on 28-29, in which Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah), and Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Mr. Bill Gates) took part as well.
Al-Jalajel highlighted the need for proactive measures to address future challenges posed to health by climate, and said coordinated cooperation is needed to mitigate the impact of epidemics and emergencies. He said that the Kingdom launched a platform for effective sectorial collaboration in all policies through the ministerial committee for health, by integrating health, justice, and sustainability in all decision-making processes, thus improving the Kingdom’s health status. He stressed the pivotal role the Kingdom plays in the region and globally toward a polio-free world.
Al-Jalajel also pointed out that the health threats are many, and the antimicrobial resistance is a silent epidemic that must be addressed, and urged attendees to attend the fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance, which will be held in the Kingdom between November 15 and 16.
The Minister said: "Let us remain committed to making a healthier and more resilient planet for future generations. Remember that this investment in global health is not just a benefit; it is a strategic necessity for a prosperous and more resilient future."
Al-Jalajel also said that a memorandum of understanding was signed by the Saudi Ministry of Health and the “Bill and Melinda Gates” Foundation focusing on cooperation in several areas to improve monitoring diseases and diagnostic tools, provide safe health solutions, and offer technical assistance to enhance vaccine production capacity of the Kingdom to help low- and middle-income countries have access to lower-cost vaccines to combating polio, and contribute to global preparedness and response to pandemics.