Abu Dhabi: Health security is a cornerstone of national security.
That was the message from the UAE’s Minister of Health and Prevention, Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, on Thursday at the 46th ICMM World Congress of Military Medicine in Abu Dhabi.
According to the minister, major health challenges that affect people’s lives and the continuity of essential services require a coordinated response from the whole of government.
Sustainable preparedness means maintaining essential healthcare services during emergencies, while being ready to respond to new challenges as soon as they arise, he said.
Panel with international leaders
Al Sayegh spoke at a panel titled “Health at the Core of National Resilience”.
He was joined by Indonesia’s Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, and Major General Staff Dr. Ayesha Sultan Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of the Military Health Executive Directorate at the Ministry of Defence and President of the International Committee of Military Medicine (ICMM), along with senior military and civilian healthcare leaders.
The discussion focused on preparing for emerging challenges, improving coordination between the civilian and military sectors, and keeping essential services running during crises.
The panel also highlighted the value of international knowledge exchange in building health systems better equipped to withstand emergencies.
Patient safety is important
