Oman tells the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Committee it has held polio immunisation coverage above 99 per cent

16 October 2026

Dr Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti, Oman's Minister of Health, headed the Sultanate's delegation to the 73rd session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean in Cairo. The session's theme was "Together for a Healthier Future: Action, Access, Equity" and the Minister is Vice-Chair of the Committee's Bureau. He said Oman has maintained polio immunisation coverage exceeding 99 per cent while strengthening surveillance, preparedness and response. He said Oman continues its work against antimicrobial resistance under the 2022 Muscat Ministerial Declaration, using a One Health approach. He described digital transformation, data and artificial intelligence as a strategic opportunity and called for clear governance frameworks and interoperability between digital systems. The agenda included health financing, health emergencies, polio eradication and the proposed Programme Budget for 2028-2029.