Saudi Arabia’s Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global health during a high-level dialogue session at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh.
Attended by notable figures like Bill Gates, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the event focused on key health challenges and initiatives.
Al-Jalajel underscored the importance of proactive measures to address climate-related health risks, emphasizing the need for international collaboration to mitigate the impacts of epidemics and health emergencies.
He noted Saudi Arabia’s significant role in regional and international efforts to eradicate polio, stressing the country’s commitment to public health.
The Minister also drew attention to antimicrobial resistance, calling it a “silent pandemic” that requires coordinated global efforts.
He announced a joint project between Saudi Health and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to enhance cooperation in areas such as disease surveillance and diagnostic tools.
This collaboration aims to strengthen health systems and prepare for emerging health threats.
Saudi Arabia’s support for global health is evidenced by its contributions to various health initiatives.
It has supported the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and the COVAX Facility, providing direct assistance to over 26 countries to improve their health systems.
The country has invested more than $900 million to support fragile health systems and ensure broader immunization coverage.
Overall, the high-level dialogue in Riyadh demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s leadership in promoting global health collaboration, with an emphasis on tackling current and future health challenges through international partnerships.