Geneva: Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar affirmed Egypt’s commitment to continuing its humanitarian and medical support for the Palestinian people through receiving thousands of wounded Palestinians, patients, and their companions, in addition to providing specialized treatment and surgical care without discrimination. The remarks came during Abdel Ghaffar’s speech at the opening session of the 64th meeting of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Health Ministers, held in Geneva.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the minister praised Arab health ministers for their unified stance toward safeguarding Arab public health, strengthening health security, and building capacities capable of addressing challenges and fostering hope. Abdel Ghaffar highlighted Egypt’s continued efforts to evacuate Palestinian patients medically and provide vaccination and preventive healthcare services. He stressed that support for the Palestinian people remains a humanitarian and national duty.
He said the Palestinian issue remains at the forefront of joint Arab action, particularly in light of the unprecedented humanitarian and health crisis facing the Palestinian health sector amid the ongoing aggression and deteriorating conditions in Gaza. The minister called for stronger Arab coordination to provide humanitarian and medical assistance to address severe shortages in healthcare services and medical supplies.
He also voiced Egypt’s full solidarity with Lebanon in confronting the repercussions of repeated attacks and crises. He noted that Cairo has provided urgent medical and relief assistance through air bridges, medical convoys, and shipments of medicines and medical supplies to support Lebanon’s healthcare sector.
Abdel Ghaffar further affirmed Egypt’s support for Sudan through continued medical convoys, relief aid, and assistance to hospitals and healthcare workers, in addition to support for Yemen to help ease the suffering caused by ongoing humanitarian and health challenges.
The minister reviewed a number of key initiatives and issues discussed during the current session. This includes proposals related to restructuring the World Health Organization in a way that preserves regional priorities and ensures Arab issues remain represented in international decision-making circles. He added that the council also discussed a range of issues, including the ‘Arab Day for a Burn-Free Humanity,’ developments related to the Arab Blood Transfusion Services Organization, the 2026 Arab Physician Award, the Arab strategy for improving maternal, child, and adolescent health, Arab Health Day, and the Arab Health Development Fund.
Abdel Ghaffar stressed that these discussions reflect an ambitious Arab vision aimed at improving healthcare systems and enhancing the quality of medical services. He affirmed that Arab citizens remain at the center of development efforts and regional stability.