Bahrain’s health strides build on a solid operational framework, technical infrastructure, high-level of preparedness and world-standard practices have been praised.
"The Kingdom has set a model to emulate in promoting health for all, driven by landmark achivements", said World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Ahmed Salim Saif Al Mandhari.
He made the comments in a pre-recorded message during a ceremony celebrating World Health Day, which coincides this year with the seventy-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the World Health Organisation (WHO), under the theme "Health for all: 75 years of improving public health".
The inaugural ceremony which was held under the patronage of the Supreme Council for Health (SCH) President, Lieutenant-General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, was attended by Health Minister Dr. Jaleela bint Sayed Jawad Hassan, WHO Representative in the Kingdom Dr. Tasnim Ghalib Atatrah, and senior officials and employees.
Dr. Al Mandhari commended Bahrain’s achievements, in promoting the expanded immunization programme, maintaining the level of measles and rubella elimination in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, especially during the outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
He praised Bahrain’s drive to preserve primary care by providing effective and urgent protection for emergency developments, as shown through its immediate response to the pandemic.
"Bahrain was one of the first countries to document its successful experience in cooperation with the World Health Organization", he said, noting that the health insurance program supports comprehensive coverage for all citizens and residents.
He highlighted that the Geneva-based organization has declared Manama a Healthy City; thus becoming the first capital in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
He noted that Umm Al-Hassam had been accredited as the first health city in Bahrain, noting that other cities such as A’ali and Busaiteen - Al-Sayah followed, which will also join the network of healthy cities.
Dr. Al Mandhari highlighted Bahrain’s efforts to hone the skills of health workers through qualitative programmes at academic and practical levels, citing the initiative of the University of Bahrain as a collaborating center with the World Health Organization in 1990 to use data in nursing practice and education and improving midwifery competencies.
"The Arabian Gulf University joined as a collaborating center in 2019 by improving the level of health education and the competencies of workers in the field to upgrade medical cadres", he concluded.
Source: Bahrain News Agency