Health Minister participates in Brussels summit on health and prosperity through immunisation
Brussels, June 28 (BNA): Dr. Jaleela bint Al Sayed Jawad Hassan, Minister of Health, led Bahrain’s delegation to the high level global summit Health and Prosperity through Immunisation, organised in Brussels by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in partnership with the European Commission and the Gates Foundation.
The summit brought together heads of state and government, health ministers, and representatives of international organisations and agencies.
Dr. Jaleela emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to global immunisation and preventive health efforts, citing the Kingdom’s approach under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
She highlighted efforts to strengthen international partnerships that protect society and future generations from infectious diseases.
The minister said the summit offered a global platform to highlight the importance of international solidarity in ensuring fair and equal access to vaccines as a foundation of health and sustainable development.
She pointed to Bahrain’s immunisation policy, which provides routine vaccinations for children free of charge to both citizens and residents, through a comprehensive network of primary healthcare centres and with private sector support.
Dr. Jaleela commended Bahrain’s achievements in eradicating polio, diphtheria, and neonatal tetanus, as well as the expansion of the national immunisation programme to include the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for school students.
She said these steps reflect Bahrain’s ongoing commitment to a proactive and comprehensive preventive health strategy.
She also underscored Bahrain’s initiatives during its presidency of the 33rd Arab Summit in 2024, including the proposal to boost pharmaceutical and vaccine production in Arab countries.
This was followed by the Arab Forum for the Development of Pharmaceutical and Vaccine Industry on May 12, 2025, which brought together decision makers and international experts to enhance regional self sufficiency and strengthen vaccine supply chains.
The minister underscored the role of Gavi over the past 25 years in protecting more than 1.1 billion children worldwide from vaccine preventable diseases, while supporting health systems and community resilience.
On the sidelines of the summit, the minister held several meetings with fellow health ministers and senior international health officials to discuss opportunities for collaboration and exchange expertise in preventive health and universal coverage.
