Qatar Hosts Global Summit on Healthy Longevity at WHO Assembly

During the Seventy-Ninth World Health Assembly, Qatar took the lead by hosting a high-level global summit focused on healthy longevity as a significant investment for communities and economies.

This important gathering attracted ministers, international health leaders, experts, and policymakers from various nations to discuss methods for enhancing healthy life expectancy and bolstering healthcare frameworks for ageing populations.

Co-sponsored by Japan, Finland, Thailand, the World Federation of Public Health Associations, the International Federation on Ageing, and the World Organization of Family Doctors, the event highlighted diverse perspectives.

In his inaugural address, Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud articulated that the goal of healthy longevity constitutes both a national imperative and a worldwide need. He pointed out that Qatar's strategy is anchored in preventive measures, innovation, scientific advancement, and strong healthcare partnerships aimed at enhancing life quality as individuals age.

His remarks emphasized that the objective goes beyond extending life expectancies; it is equally about ensuring healthier lives. He noted that achieving this requires enhanced public health policies, preventive measures, robust primary healthcare systems, and inter-sectoral collaboration.

Al Mahmoud also underscored the pivotal role of Qatar’s WHO Collaborating Centre on Healthy Ageing, which is vital in advancing health initiatives and fostering research and policy-making in this sector.

The summit emphasized the necessity of merging prevention with healthcare, financing, governance, and innovation to elevate health outcomes and better equip nations to manage rapid demographic shifts.

Hanan Balkhy pointed out the distinct healthcare challenges within the Eastern Mediterranean region, where some nations boast advanced healthcare systems while others grapple with conflict and resource scarcity.

She remarked that reinforcing primary healthcare is crucial to narrowing the gap between life expectancy and healthy living years, identifying prevention, early health detection, management of non-communicable diseases, and universal health coverage as vital areas of focus.

A panel moderated by Salim Salama further delved into how governments can translate healthy longevity aspirations into actionable policies through prevention, digital healthcare solutions, funding, and innovative approaches.

Bettina Borisch underscored the need for equity and access in policies regarding healthy longevity, stressing the importance of ensuring that investments and healthcare services extend to vulnerable and high-risk demographics.

Gregor Sneddon advocated for a robust response to combat ageism, asserting that older individuals must be recognized as valuable members of society, rather than solely as recipients of care.

Japan’s Masami Sakoi shared insights into how healthy ageing contributes to economic stability and active workforce participation.

Heli Hatunen elaborated on Finland’s welfare economy approach, integrating health and well-being into national policy across differing sectors.

Furthermore, Amporn Benjaponpitak discussed Thailand’s advancements in establishing community health volunteer networks and utilizing digital technologies to enhance healthcare access and preventative measures.

The consensus from participants was clear: healthy longevity is a pressing social and economic priority that warrants integrated policies for sustainable development, enhanced societal well-being, and economic resilience.

This summit also reinforced Qatar’s emerging role as an international center for dialogue on healthy longevity, bringing together experts from various fields including science, policy, finance, and healthcare innovation.

At the summit's conclusion, notable recommendations included fostering increased international collaboration on ageing-related policies, better integrating health factors into public policies, and sustaining partnerships through future global health initiatives like the World Innovation Summit for Health.

Officials conveyed that the discussions contribute to ongoing global efforts to redefine ageing and healthcare responses in light of evolving population dynamics, underscoring the importance of health investment throughout the lifespan.