GCC health ministers meet to discuss COVID-19

Muscat: Oman represented by the Ministry of Health (MOH) participated on Saturday in the 5th virtual extraordinary meeting of their Excellencies the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) health ministers.

A statement issued online by the MOH said that Oman represented by the Ministry of Health (MOH), participated on Saturday in the 5th virtual extraordinary meeting of their Excellencies the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) health ministers. 

His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health, headed Oman's delegation in the meeting with the presence of MOH's undersecretaries and a number of senior officials.

The meeting addressed the latest updates of the coronavirus in the GCC countries and actions taken by each country to combat the pandemic. The meeting reviewed the current situation in Oman and the updated epidemiological indicators of COVID-19, in addition to discussing updates on COVID-19 vaccines particularly those adopted in Oman, and a summary of Oman's participation in the council's technical meetings.

The guidance document for vaccines, prepared by the technical committees of the council countries, was highlighted with regard to the vaccination priority groups, vaccine efficiency, and associated side effects. The approved preventive and health procedures on citizens' entry at the GCC entry points were also addressed.

The meeting also presented outcomes of the GCC health undersecretaries committee, the experience of the vaccines used in Bahrain, in addition to reviewing the decisions issued at their previous meeting.

At the end of the meeting, GCC Health Ministers commended the significant efforts of health workers as well as their contribution in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

The meeting recommended strengthening the continued exchange of information among member States regarding the pandemic developments, viral mutation, precautionary measures, vaccine information, and effectiveness with different ages and the monitored side effects.

The meeting emphasized the importance of adhering to the precautionary measures (distancing, wearing masks, washing hands, and isolating infected people). It further recommended coordination with the concerned authorities in each country to approve the applications in GCC countries to facilitate movement between GCC countries.