Ministry, WHO hold talks on support services for elderly

Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development Affairs at the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) Fahd Mohammed al-Khayarin met with Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Hassan Balkhy, where they discussed ways to enhance co-operation in developing services provided to people with disabilities and the elderly.

During the meeting, they discussed the mandate and role of the Ministry of Social Development and Family in caring for persons with disabilities and the elderly. The meeting also addressed areas of co-operation regarding the Global Disability Summit 2028 and strengthening the strategic partnership between the ministry and the WHO to support the achievement of the National Development Strategy.

In August 2024, the Ministry of Social Development and Family implemented a training program on the rights of persons with disabilities in reproductive health in conflict and war zones, in co-operation with the UN Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre for Southwest Asia and the Arab Region, and the Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The program addressed a number of significant topics, including reproductive health issues for people with disabilities, and the development of emergency plans for this group to ensure they receive the necessary protection and support during times of crisis, thus strengthening national and international efforts in this area.