Talks in Geneva on Monday between Morocco’s Minister of Health and Social Protection, Khalid Ait Taleb, and his Spanish counterpart, Mónica García Gómez, focused on health sector readiness for the 2030 World Cup (in Morocco-Spain-Portugal), according to MAP.
The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the 77th World Health Assembly, focused on joint preparations for the World Cup, including potential health challenges during the global sporting event and the importance of prior coordination to ensure the readiness of health and emergency services.
The establishment of a “robust health system, capable of dealing with any emergency,” is a “key factor” in ensuring the success of this major sporting event, said Ait Taleb. The exchange of expertise and experience among the three countries will be “crucial to providing a safe and comfortable experience for fans and sports teams.”
Morocco’s Health Minister also noted the importance of reinforcing healthcare infrastructure in the host cities and developing joint training programs for health personnel to prepare them to deal with health emergencies, provide necessary care, and minimize health risks at the global sporting event.
Spain’s Health Minister pointed out that Spain, Morocco, and Portugal’s coordination with respect to health is an important step towards holding a safe and integrated world event. Developing effective health strategies will serve to offer the best services to fans and athletes alike.
Spain stands ready “to cooperate with Morocco to ensure a safe and successful world sporting event,” García Gómez affirmed.
Discussions also focused on continuing to implement the joint agreement signed in Rabat on February 02, 2023, during the 12th session of the Morocco-Spain high-level meeting with respect to the exchange of expertise and cooperation in the field of preventive medicine and primary healthcare.
The two ministers agreed that continuing implementation of the provisions of the agreement will make the most of bilateral cooperation, contribute to improving the quality of healthcare services, and ensure the provision of the highest standards of primary healthcare in both countries.