Media Center

Doha, October 15, 2025

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to global health equity during the second annual meeting of the Doha Global South Health Policy Initiative, held in the Qatari capital on Wednesday.
In her keynote address, HE Dr. Al Misnad stressed that health must be recognized not as a privilege, but as a fundamental human right. She described the initiative as more than a platform for reflection it is a continuation of a humanitarian vision that places cooperation, innovation, and collective responsibility at the heart of global health advancement.
"This initiative holds special importance for Qatar," Her Excellency said, "as it reflects its vision to ensure countries in the Global South are not merely recipients of policy, but active participants in shaping it voicing their solutions and priorities in global dialogue."
The Minister highlighted persistent inequities in healthcare access, particularly affecting women, girls, and vulnerable communities. In many parts of the world, she noted, clinics remain inaccessible, medical supplies scarce, and healthcare workers overwhelmed  with efforts often focused more on treatment than on prevention or early intervention.
"Effective health systems start with prevention, education, environment, and people themselves," Her Excellency said. "Health is not just a service” it is dignity. It is a right and a pillar of sustainable development."
Dr. Al Misnad outlined Qatar's domestic and international contributions to health policy. She referenced Qatar's National Health Strategy 2024“2030, launched by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, as a bold roadmap focused on prevention-first approaches, integrated public-private services, and universal access, especially for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Innovation and capacity-building form a key pillar of the strategy, Her Excellency added, aiming to develop a skilled national workforce to lead the future of healthcare in the country.
Internationally, Qatar continues to play a leading role. Over the past decade, the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has provided over $1 billion in health-related aid to more than 50 countries. Projects included $690 million invested in health infrastructure across 10+ developing countries and a $4 million joint initiative with the World Health Organization in 2024 to enhance primary healthcare systems and emergency response in low-income countries.
Also among the projects were support for maternal and child health in Afghanistan, mobile clinics reaching over 530,000 flood victims in Pakistan, and collaboration with UNICEF on sanitation in Yemen, as well as the operational support for the Zaatari refugee camp clinic in Jordan, serving over 31,000 displaced people.
Qatar also pledged $8 million to UNICEF during the 2025 UN ECOSOC Forum to improve global child access to health, water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
"These efforts are not merely financial," she said, "but reflect a humanitarian vision that believes a robust health system is an investment in human dignity, and that health justice is essential for peace and sustainable development."
HE Dr. Al Misnad concluded with a call for sincere international cooperation, stating that no country can face global health challenges alone. She urged for shared accountability and continued support for initiatives that unite governments, civil society, international organisations, and experts to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.