DOHA: Within the framework of exchanging expertise and benefiting from distinguished international experiences, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) recently received the WHO/EMRO Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) Mission, to explore innovative strategies and best practices to improve health outcomes and promote healthcare systems.
The NMH Mission included the organization of discussion sessions and workshops with the participation of representatives from the health sector, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
The events and activities organized during the mission aimed to foster collaboration among stakeholders, and explore opportunities to promote public health initiatives, enhance capacity building, and empower healthcare professionals with the tools, skills, and resources needed to effectively address NCDs and mental health challenges in their respective settings. Knowledge-sharing sessions will facilitate the dissemination of best practices and evidence-based interventions.
Director of the Department of NCDs Prevention Programs at MoPH Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani said: "The WHO/EMRO NMH Mission underscores our commitment to addressing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases and mental health disorders. Through collaborative efforts and knowledge exchange, we aim to strengthen our healthcare systems and improve health outcomes for all."
For his part, Director of Health Promotion Department, MoPH Dr Salah Al Yafei said: "This NMH Mission presents a unique opportunity for Qatar to showcase its commitment to promoting health and well-being and to learn from global experts in the field of NCD prevention and mental health."
Chairperson of Psychiatry at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Medical Director of HMC's Mental Health Service Dr Majed Al Abdulla underscored the importance of the NMH Mission, saying: "By bringing together local and international partners and experts and all other stakeholders, we can improve our response capabilities and promote the mental health of the population, ultimately improving the health and well-being of everyone in Qatar."
The WHO delegation members also praised Qatar's commitment to strengthening health care delivery, strengthening health systems, and improving the quality of life for the entire population in the country.
The WHO Experts have also had the opportunity to engage in site visits and field demonstrations to observe firsthand the implementation of innovative healthcare programs and initiatives to address NCDs and mental health disorders.
This visit represents a key step in Qatar's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by noncommunicable diseases and mental health disorders, with a focus on prevention, treatment and capacity building. It confirms the country's keenness to align its efforts with global frameworks and adopt best practices in this field.
MoPH is working on developing policies and programs to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCD) and promote mental health, in cooperation with all partners in the State of Qatar, and in high-level collaboration with international partners.The Ministry of Public Health, in cooperation with all its partners, is keen on advancing healthcare delivery, strengthening health systems, and improving the quality of life for its citizens and residents.
