Amman, Oct. 9 (Petra) -- The 8th Islamic Conference of Health Ministers concluded in Amman on Thursday after three days of discussions held under the theme "Health Is Our Shared Responsibility," with the participation of health ministers and heads of delegations from member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as well as representatives of international and regional organizations.
At the conclusion of the conference, the ministers issued the "Amman Declaration," reaffirming member states’ commitment to strengthening cooperation and joint action to achieve health security and ensure equitable access to health services, emphasizing that health is a fundamental human right without discrimination.
The declaration underscored the need to develop primary healthcare systems across member states to be more flexible and people-centered, strengthen supply chains, and improve integrated workforce planning in the health sector to ensure fair access to essential health services.
The ministers stressed doubling efforts to reduce premature deaths caused by non-communicable diseases by one-third by 2030, expanding mental health services and suicide prevention programs, and acknowledging the psychological effects left by the COVID-19 pandemic.
They also reaffirmed commitment to eradicating polio, malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, and to strengthening immunization and vaccination programs particularly for children through collective efforts among member states, in line with the principle that "Health Is Our Shared Responsibility." The declaration further called for reducing maternal and child mortality rates, combating malnutrition, and enhancing reproductive, adolescent, and elderly health services.
Regarding digital transformation and artificial intelligence in the health sector, the Amman Declaration highlighted the importance of harnessing digital health, telemedicine, and AI solutions for disease monitoring, service delivery, and health data management, while ensuring privacy protection, equity, and good governance in this field.
The ministers also pledged to strengthen research capacities, adopt data-driven health policies based on scientific evidence, and establish robust mechanisms for information sharing and best-practice exchange among member states.
The declaration called for adopting the One Health approach to address environmental and health challenges arising from climate change, food and water insecurity, zoonotic diseases, and antimicrobial resistance.
It emphasized the need to improve monitoring of water, air, and soil quality in conflict-affected areas and to develop national plans to rehabilitate environmental and health infrastructure while reducing chemical and air pollution.
The ministers also underscored the importance of supporting local production of medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics, and expanding cooperation in technology transfer and joint procurement to ensure timely and affordable access to medical supplies.
They called for strengthening early warning systems, laboratory networks, and vaccine manufacturing to guarantee equitable distribution during health crises.
The declaration stressed mobilizing domestic resources, activating Islamic and innovative financing mechanisms, and enhancing cooperation with international organizations and the private sector to support health systems in member states.
It also urged ending conflicts in certain member countries and ensuring sustainable health and humanitarian assistance, guaranteeing refugees and displaced persons access to essential health services including mental, reproductive, and nutritional care in line with principles of justice and human dignity.
The ministers expressed deep concern over the humanitarian and health crisis in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip, due to the Israeli aggression that has led to the collapse of the health system and widespread malnutrition and famine.
The declaration strongly condemned the targeting of health facilities and the killing of medical workers, calling for an immediate end to such violations, ensuring safe and sustained delivery of humanitarian and medical aid, and protecting civilians and health personnel in accordance with international humanitarian law.
The Amman Declaration welcomed the adoption of the World Health Organization’s Pandemic Agreement and amendments to the International Health Regulations as an important step toward strengthening global health security.
The ministers expressed appreciation to Jordan, its government, and people for their hospitality and the excellent organization and arrangements that contributed to the success of the 8th session of the conference.
//Petra// AO
