Foreign Minister Meets Regional Head of WHO

Today, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with the regional head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Hanan Balkhi, and the accompanying delegation, says Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal the deputy spokesman of the foreign ministry.

At the onset of the discussion, the Foreign Affairs Minister highlighted the healthcare requirements of the WHO delegation in various Afghan villages. Owing to four decades of conflict, numerous remote regions and their inhabitants have been devoid of essential healthcare services.

Moreover, Mr. Muttaqi urged WHO officials to bolster and fortify Afghanistan’s domestic healthcare system and medical sector. The emphasis was on enhancing local healthcare infrastructure to support Afghan health centers financially, fostering self-sufficiency in healthcare among Afghans. Additionally, the country’s Foreign Minister underscored collaborative efforts in combating diseases like polio and other infectious illnesses.

Dr. Hanan Balkhi, the regional head of WHO, expressed gratitude to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan for their consistent collaboration with the WHO, enabling fruitful opportunities for work. She shared insights regarding the recent fourth ministerial meeting on “Antimicrobial Drug Resistance” held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, striving to attract global health experts’ attention towards Afghanistan during international health forums.

Dr. Balkhi pledged to work closely with local health institutions in Afghanistan to enhance and equip them effectively.

During the meeting, Christopher J. Ellis, the head of international development at the Bill Gates Foundation, affirmed the foundation’s commitment to combatting polio and other dangerous diseases in Afghanistan through proactive measures.

Towards the end, the UNICEF head for Afghanistan conveyed their ongoing collaboration with the Afghan government to prepare for the implementation of a clean water project stretching from Panjsher to Kabul, facilitated by the World Bank.

In conclusion, the Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated the Islamic Emirate’s cooperative stance towards international humanitarian organizations, prioritizing the safety and security of their personnel.