The WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region recently held its 10th meeting of the Regional Subcommittee on Polio Eradication and Outbreaks, with health ministers from the region gathering virtually to discuss strategies for combating polio and bringing the world closer to eradication. The meeting was led by Dr. Hanan Balhky, the new WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, who expressed her determination to end polio during her tenure.
Dr. Balhky’s leadership is seen as a promising step towards eradicating polio, and was welcomed by Her Excellency Dr. Hanan Al-Kuwari, Minister of Public Health in Qatar and Subcommittee Co-chair, as well as His Excellency Mr. Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Oweis, Minister of Health and Prevention of the United Arab Emirates, and Subcommittee Co-chair, represented by His Excellency Dr. Hussain Al Rand.
During the meeting, health ministers discussed regional strategies to combat polio and shared updates on outbreak responses and vaccination campaigns. The Subcommittee aims to strengthen the fight against polio and work towards its eradication in the region. For more information on the meeting and the Subcommittee’s efforts, visit the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office website.
