6th WHO Emergency Medical Teams Global Meeting Concludes in Abu Dhabi

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The 6th World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Global Meeting, hosted by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), has successfully concluded in Abu Dhabi. This landmark event has contributed significantly to strengthening global capacities to provide high-quality healthcare services during crises.

Abu Dhabi has once again solidified its position as a global leader in healthcare innovation and emergency medicine by hosting the largest Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Global Meeting to date, the first of its kind in the region. The meeting was organized by the DoH, in collaboration with WHO and supported by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP). More than 1,300 participants from over 140 countries gathered in Abu Dhabi for the event. The gathering brought together experts in emergency management, disaster medicine, and humanitarian aid, all focused on advancing global health emergency preparedness and response.

The meeting saw the participation of over 130 regional and international speakers, who led 30 technical sessions. There was also an exhibition showcasing the innovations of 26 organizations. This large turnout underscored Abu Dhabi’s commitment to transforming emergency medicine and setting new standards for healthcare systems that can rapidly adapt, innovate, and collaborate in the face of global health challenges.

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Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, commented, “Over the past three days, we have seen the transformative power of collaboration in action. We’ve heard from global leaders about managing crises in various environments, from urban hubs to remote areas, alongside many other critical topics. This event also saw the certification of 12 new emergency medical teams from nine countries, who are now ready to deploy quickly and efficiently to any global challenge. The exchange of ideas and best practices has been a key outcome of the meeting, further enhancing global health resilience and preparedness for future health crises. The insights gained will serve as a roadmap to advance the EMT initiative worldwide.”

Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of MoHAP, also praised the success of the meeting, which attracted significant international attention. He noted that the UAE’s ability to host such an influential global event reinforces its role in improving emergency health systems worldwide, in line with the country’s leadership vision. The meeting was an ideal platform to establish strategic partnerships and strengthen national and regional capacities to respond effectively to health emergencies. Al Olama emphasized that the discussions on climate change and its impact on public health will play a crucial role in refining strategies for emergency medical teams to address these emerging challenges.

The event served as a networking hub, facilitating high-level discussions on key issues surrounding national and regional emergency response capabilities. Participants engaged in technical sessions under four strategic objectives: Governance, Leadership & Partnerships, Emergency Response & Capacity Building, Standard Setting & Quality Assurance, and Research & Innovation. These sessions aimed to advance the EMT 2030 Strategy, which focuses on enhancing operational standards, fostering innovative practices, and integrating the latest advancements in emergency medical services.

The dedicated EMT exhibition hall featured cutting-edge technologies, equipment, and best practices from emergency medical teams and partners. It served as a platform for sharing solutions, fostering collaboration, and boosting knowledge exchange, all of which contribute to enhancing global emergency preparedness, response, and resilience.

The meeting also included high-level roundtable discussions with WHO leaders and representatives from various countries. These sessions provided a forum for member states, EMTs, and other stakeholders to discuss the regional implementation of the EMT initiative. Esteemed WHO figures such as Dr. Flavio Salio, EMT Network Leader at WHO, Dr. Michael J. Ryan, Deputy Director-General of WHO, Dr. Rick Brennan, WHO Regional Emergency Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, and Dr. Teodor Herbosa, Secretary of Health for the Philippines, attended the event.

Dr. Ryan reflected on the importance of EMTs in global health crises, stating, "The courage, professionalism, and commitment displayed by Emergency Medical Teams over the past year is truly remarkable. The willingness of EMTs to work together in partnership, to learn from one another, and to continuously strive for excellence is inspiring. In emergency situations, the people we serve are among the most vulnerable in the world, and they deserve the best care, delivered quickly and effectively."

The WHO EMT Global Meetings, which have been hosted in five countries over the years, have created a growing global network that continues to expand its reach and impact. This year’s meeting marked a significant milestone as the first EMT Global Meeting held in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. The meeting was a key step in advancing the EMT 2030 Strategy, launched in Yerevan in 2023, to address the intersection of climate change and health emergencies.

Local and global organizations, including the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA), TASNEEF, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the Emergencies, Crisis and Disasters Management Centre – Abu Dhabi (ADCMC), and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), participated in the meeting. Their involvement emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in strengthening emergency health response systems worldwide.

The 6th EMT Global Meeting has not only reinforced Abu Dhabi’s standing as a global leader in healthcare but has also created a lasting impact on the global emergency medical community. As the world faces increasing health threats, the collaboration fostered at this event will play a pivotal role in enhancing international health security and readiness for future crises.