The MENA Health Policy Forum (MENA HPF) hosted the Regional Conference on Universal Access to Quality Health Care in the Arab Countries on November 12-13, 2016, in Cairo, Egypt.
The conference addressed critical challenges in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across Arab nations, aligning efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on UHC including financial risk protection and access to quality essential health services. Its key objectives included identifying policy options for decision makers to expand access to efficient health services with equity, generating options for UHC implementation, and facilitating exchange of successful case studies from the region.
Around 150 participants from MENA countries attended, representing policymakers, parliamentarians, academics, private sector, international organizations like WHO and World Bank, and the League of Arab States. The event featured sessions on UHC challenges, country case studies (e.g., Egypt, UAE, Kuwait), health in conflict zones, equity, and way-forward discussions, supported by sponsors including the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development and WHO.
Event’s Report: Download