Tripoli, December 18, 2025 – The proceedings of the 63rd regular session of the Council of Arab Health Ministers commenced in the capital, Tripoli, this Thursday. The meeting was attended by the acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, the Arab health ministers, representatives of the General Secretariat of the Arab League, and a number of international health bodies and organizations.
The meeting’s agenda included a visual presentation by the Ministry of Health of the National Unity Government on the reality of the health sector and development efforts, in addition to presentations on several successful Arab health experiences. These included Libya’s experience in developing health information systems, Egypt’s experience in eliminating the Hepatitis C virus, Tunisia’s experience with electronic vaccination, and Algeria’s experience in combating drugs.
The session’s proceedings also featured the awarding of the 2025 Arab Doctor Prize in the fields of scientific research and innovation, professional excellence, medical leadership, and sound governance in managing the quality of health systems.
On the sidelines of the meeting, a series of bilateral meetings will be held with the health ministers of participating countries to discuss prospects for enhancing health partnerships, expanding areas of joint cooperation, and exchanging expertise on priority issues.
According to the Ministry of Health, hosting this session in Tripoli represents an important milestone for enhancing Arab health coordination and integration, exchanging expertise, and supporting joint efforts to confront health challenges. This contributes to developing health systems and achieving shared Arab health security.
Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, with a history dating back to the 7th century BC when it was founded by the Phoenicians. It later became a significant Roman city and a major center under various empires, including the Ottoman, before becoming Libya’s capital upon independence in 1951. The city’s historic core, the Medina, features well-preserved architecture from its Ottoman and Italian colonial periods.
Council of Arab Health Ministers
The Council of Arab Health Ministers is a specialized organization within the Arab League, established to foster cooperation and coordinate health policies among Arab states. Its history is rooted in pan-Arab initiatives to unify health strategies, address regional public health challenges, and improve healthcare systems across the member nations.
Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health is a government department responsible for public health policy and administration. Its history in many countries often dates to the late 19th or early 20th century, emerging from growing state recognition of the need for organized healthcare systems and disease control.
National Unity Government
The National Unity Government (NUG) is a political entity formed by Myanmar’s ousted lawmakers and ethnic representatives in opposition to the military junta following the 2021 coup. It claims to be the country’s legitimate government and operates largely in exile or underground, coordinating resistance and seeking international recognition.
Arab League
The Arab League, formally the League of Arab States, is a regional organization founded in Cairo in 1945 to promote political, economic, and cultural cooperation among its member states. Its establishment was largely driven by a shared Arab identity and the goal of coordinating policies following the end of colonial influence in the region.
Libya
Libya is a North African country with a rich history rooted in ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians and Romans, followed by centuries of Arab and Ottoman influence. In the modern era, it was an Italian colony before gaining independence in 1951, later becoming known for Muammar Gaddafi’s lengthy rule from 1969 until the 2011 revolution. Its cultural sites include the well-preserved Roman ruins of Leptis Magna, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Egypt
Egypt is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over 5,000 years and famed for its pharaohs, pyramids, and monuments along the Nile River. Its rich cultural heritage, from ancient wonders like the Great Sphinx to Islamic Cairo, continues to define its identity as a modern nation.
Hepatitis C virus
The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a bloodborne pathogen that primarily causes liver disease, identified and named in 1989. Its discovery resolved a major public health mystery, as it explained the majority of cases of non-A, non-B hepatitis. Chronic infection can lead to serious complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer, but modern antiviral treatments can now cure most patients.
Tunisia
Tunisia is a North African country with a rich history shaped by ancient civilizations, including the Phoenicians who founded Carthage, followed by Roman, Arab, Ottoman, and French influences. It is home to numerous cultural sites, such as the ruins of Carthage and the well-preserved Roman amphitheater at El Jem. The country gained independence from France in 1956 and is known for its Mediterranean coastline, historic medinas, and as the birthplace of the 2010-2011 Arab Spring.
Algeria
Algeria is a North African country with a rich history shaped by ancient Berber kingdoms, Roman rule, and centuries as part of the Ottoman Empire before being colonized by France in the 19th century. It gained independence in 1962 after a prolonged war of liberation, and its cultural heritage includes numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Roman ruins of Timgad and the historic Casbah of Algiers.
Arab Doctor Prize
The Arab Doctor Prize is an annual award established in 2013 by the Arab Administrative Development Organization (ARADO) to honor distinguished Arab physicians for their contributions to medical science and healthcare. It aims to recognize excellence, encourage medical research, and highlight the achievements of Arab doctors both within the Arab world and internationally.
