Sustainable Development Minister meets WHO Regional Director

Manama, Aug. 6 (BNA):  Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Economic Development Board (EDB), met with Dr. Hanan Hassan Balkhy, Regional Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the Eastern Mediterranean, as part of her official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The meeting, attended by representatives from the Ministry of Health and the WHO Office in Bahrain, focused on sustainable development, particularly in the health sector.  Minister Al Khulaif reviewed Bahrain’s national efforts, including ongoing cooperation with the WHO to exchange best practices and enhance the quality of indicator data related to Sustainable Development Goal 3 on health and well being.

Discussions also addressed the role of modern technologies and artificial intelligence in advancing health innovation, including pioneering initiatives in financial inclusion and fintech as drivers for improving access to healthcare services.

The minister underscored the importance of investing in these areas and enhancing partnerships with the private sector and international organisations to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Balkhy commended Bahrain’s role in advancing sustainable development, particularly in the health sector, and highlighted the Kingdom’s innovation and expansion of digital services.  She also underlined the strategic partnership between Bahrain and WHO and the value of continued coordination and collaboration.