MOPH and WHO Deliver Series of Health Security Activities as Part of FIFA World

Staff in a Group Photo

DOHA- The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), has concluded a series of health security workshops, meetings and training sessions as part of preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 .

The activities were held from Mar. 20 to 24 as part of the health security pillar of the three-year partnership between MoPH, WHO, FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SCDL), which aims to make the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 a beacon for physical and mental health promotion, and a model for ensuring future mega sport events are healthy and safe. Along with health promotion and communication for awareness and visibility, health security is one of the three core pillars of the partnership.

Assistant Minister for Health Affairs at the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Salih Al-Marri, highlighted the importance of health security ahead of Qatars hosting of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. "More than one million fans are expected to travel to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and with up to tens of thousands fans attending each stadium to watch matches in person, these mass gatherings have the potential to increase risks to health. The health security pillar of our partnership with FIFA, WHO and SCDL aims to ensure that the tournament is safe and secure through the prevention of health-related risks." "This weeks activities have provided an opportunity for teams from MoPH and partner organizations in Qatar to collaborate with WHO and benefit from the knowledge and experience of the WHOs mass gatherings team," added Dr. Al Marri.

The five days of activities concluded with an after-action review of the health support delivered at the FIFA Arab Cup. Between Nov. 30 and Dec. 18, around 1,000 staff from teams across the healthcare system played a key role in supporting the safe running of the tournament. The after-action review was facilitated by the WHOs mass gatherings team and carried out an in-depth review and assessment of three key pillars: Major Incident Preparedness and Response; Health Sector Operations; and Public Health, focusing on COVID-19 confinement and infectious diseases.

"Training and preparation is needed not only for high performance sport but also to keep sporting events safe for fans, athletes and staff," said WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr. Ahmed Al Mandhari.
"That is why WHO has teamed up with the State of Qatar and FIFA to support all efforts to reduce risks and help make this years FIFA World Cup in Qatar safe and healthy for all. This weeks exercises helped identify risks and focus on what is needed to mitigate and respond to potential threats. COVID-19 has provided no better example of why we must take a risk-based approach to planning for major sports events and other mass gatherings in order to protect public health. Our partnership with Qatar and FIFA is a true expression of our regional Vision 2023: Health for All by All with its call for solidarity and action to make the Region healthier and safer," he added.

WHO and the State of Qatar signed a three-year partnership in October 2021, working closely with FIFA, to undertake joint activities to place the promotion of healthy lives, health security and physical and mental well-being at the heart of the world footballs pinnacle event, being held from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18.

Source: QNA