Geneva, Switzerland – Somalia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Hajiadam Abubakar, took part in the 62nd session of the Council of Arab Health Ministers, held in Geneva on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly. The meeting brought together health leaders from across the Arab world to discuss pressing regional and global health challenges.
A key focus of the council was the worsening humanitarian and health crisis in the Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza. Participants raised serious concerns over the devastating impact of ongoing conflict, including the widespread destruction of hospitals and essential health infrastructure.
Dr. Abubakar, representing Somalia, voiced solidarity with the Palestinian people and stressed the importance of collective Arab action to address the emergency. He highlighted the need for immediate international support to restore health services and ensure the protection of medical personnel and facilities.
“The health crisis in Gaza is a moral and humanitarian emergency,” said Dr. Abubakar. “We must uphold the principles of health as a human right and work together to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in conflict.”
The session concluded with a joint declaration urging member states and international partners to strengthen support for health systems in conflict zones and to advocate for the protection of healthcare in accordance with international humanitarian law.