SESRIC participated in the inaugural meeting of the WHO–OIC Joint Steering Committee, held online with the participation of representatives from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The session opened with welcome remarks by H.E. Ambassador Aftab Ahmad KHOKHER, Assistant Secretary General for Science and Technology of the OIC and Chair of the Joint Committee, followed by Dr. Adham Ismail Abdel MONEIM, Director of Programme Management at WHO EMRO and Co-Chair of the Committee. Both sides highlighted the value of strengthened coordination and reiterated their commitment to translating the milestone Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) into concrete collaborative actions.

During the meeting, the OIC Secretariat presented an overview of its priorities outlined in the Strategic Health Programme of Action (SHPA), which has been extended due to its continued relevance. Highlights of recent OIC initiatives in the health domain were also shared. WHO provided an update on its regional priorities, including strategic directions and high-priority interventions planned, emphasizing the importance of aligning efforts to better support Member Countries.

The discussions underscored the mutual interest of both organisations in advancing joint priorities and ensuring an effective and results-oriented partnership. The meeting concluded with reaffirmations from the OIC and WHO to maintain close and continued collaboration and to work collectively toward enhancing health outcomes across Member Countries.