Muttaqi, WHO regional chief discuss strengthening Afghan health sector — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi has met with Dr. Hanan Balkhy, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director, to discuss strengthening Afghanistan’s healthcare system. According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting took place on Sunday and was attended by the head of the Gates Foundation, the representative of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), the UNICEF regional director, and the ambassadors of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. During the meeting, Muttaqi stressed the need to strengthen the country’s healthcare system by establishing advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment centres, equipping health facilities and enhancing the capacity of medical personnel. He also said health, trade and humanitarian issues should remain separate from political considerations to ensure international assistance and healthcare services reach those in need fairly and effectively. Muttaqi welcomed continued cooperation in the health sector and reaffirmed the Islamic Emirate’s full support for polio vaccination campaigns. The statement said Dr. Balkhy reaffirmed the WHO’s commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s health sector, describing polio as a global concern and calling for the Islamic Emirate’s support to ensure the successful implementation of polio vaccination campaigns.