Qatar is an unwavering partner of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in advocating for universal health coverage and addressing the global health challenges. The country has helped the WHO through funding for its programmes, health emergencies and critical health support in vulnerable communities around the world.
The flexible funding by Qatar has helped the WHO advance equity and human rights in health and develop innovative tools and methods countries can use to identify those being left behind. The funds also sparked progress in the fight against non-communicable diseases, supported healthy ageing initiatives, the WHO’s information and evidence-gathering work and its work related to national health systems focused on integrated people-centred services.
Sports and health go hand in hand, offering people all over the world of different abilities and ages the chance for happier, healthier and more productive lives. The WHO’s Sport for Health Initiative was launched to capitalise on the great potential of helping people worldwide lead healthy lives through participation in sports and working with the sports community to advance health for all.
The WHO’s mission for health for all got a further boost recently as the World Health Assembly (WHA) officially adopted a Qatar-led resolution titled, “Strengthening health and well-being through sport events” during a session of 77th World Health Assembly.
Minister of Public Health and head of Qatar’s delegation H E Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari welcomed the adoption of the resolution by the WHA, highlighting its significant role in promoting health and well-being.
The adoption of the resolution serves as a lasting legacy for the Sport for Health Initiative and provides a framework through which future sports events can be leveraged to enhance and protect health.
The resolution was first introduced by Qatar during the 154th session of the WHO Executive Board in January 2024. It was co-sponsored by several countries, including Belarus, China, Egypt, the European Union and its 27 member states, besides Iraq, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Oman, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
The Executive Board unanimously adopted the resolution, which has now been officially endorsed by the WHA.
The resolution acknowledges the global burden of non-communicable diseases, which account for 74 percent of all deaths worldwide. It recognises the crucial role of sports in promoting health and well-being, the importance of sports events in reaching large populations, its impact on society at all levels, and its ability to influence human behaviour, well-being and physical and mental health.
