# PHSSR 3rd Summit inspires action on critical health challenges

The Partnership for Health System Sustainability and Resilience (PHSSR) held its 3rd Summit on 14 May 2024 during Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week, an event hosted by the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH) that attracted thousands of healthcare stakeholders from around the world.

[Watch the full recording](https://www.phssr.org/phssr_3rd_summit_recording)


## Opening session and launch of Abu Dhabi PHSSR report

Michel Demaré, Chair of the Board, AstraZeneca, provided welcoming remarks, followed by an engaging opening address from H.E. Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman, DOH, outlining Abu Dhabi’s role in strengthening global health systems and championing the importance of multi-sector collaboration and PHSSR research in the region.The Ministers of Health of Egypt and Greece gave keynote speeches, highlighting the importance of working together via international partnerships, such as PHSSR, to bolster the sustainability and resilience of health systems around the world.H.E. Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, Minister of Health, Egypt, presented areas of focus to strengthen Egypt’s health system, giving examples of government initiatives already underway. H.E. Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Health, Greece, emphasised how cross-sector collaboration is imperative, sharing how PHSSR recommendations have informed policy changes around screening programmes in the country.Professor Elias Mossialos, Brian Abel-Smith Professor of Health Policy at the London School of Economics (LSE) and Director of LSE Health, spoke about the need to build “learning health systems” and facilitate strong, international connections between researchers working in the field via initiatives such as PHSSR.There was great excitement for the launch of the Abu Dhabi PHSSR report, with key findings shared by H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al Khazraji, Acting Director General, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), followed by a panel discussion delving into the implications for the Abu Dhabi health system.Abu Dhabi is a leading example of the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape in the Middle East and globally. The emirate has expanded its health sector, providing residents and visitors access to a broad range of healthcare services, including primary care, emergency care and advanced genomics. The introduction of mandatory health insurance for all residents in 2006 aims to ensure universal healthcare access for its population. Local health care regulators and stakeholders are also proactively expanding adoption and accessibility of digital technologies, health services and innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI). This report – developed in close collaboration with the DOH – provides insights into the local health system, including recommendations on strengthening its sustainability and resilience.The Abu Dhabi PHSSR report will be available on the website soon.


### Acting early on NCDs for health system sustainability and resilience

The second session, moderated by PHSSR Steering Committee member Jan-Willem Scheijgrond, Vice President, Global Head of Government and Public Affairs, Philips, emphasised the urgent need for action on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including developments in digital health and AI as key enablers of progress in this space. George Wharton, Associate Professor, Department of Health Policy, LSE, underscored the need to transition from “sick care” to “health care”, outlining that NCDs will be the first area of focus for the upcoming PHSSR Policy Roadmap series. The session concluded with two panel discussions exploring the role of digital technology in acting early on NCDs, and investing in preventative care.Visit the LSE Consulting Blog to learn more about the growing prevalence of NCDs, the importance of acting early to tackle them, and the potential for data and digital healthcare technologies to support comprehensive and personalised approaches to early detection and intervention.

[LSE Consulting Blog](https://www.lse.ac.uk/business/consulting/news/acting-early-on-NCDs)


### Priorities for the climate and health policy agenda

The third session, moderated by PHSSR Steering Committee member Anna van Poucke, Global Head of Healthcare, KPMG International, focused on the reciprocal relationship between climate and health. H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, delivered a keynote speech on how demographic and climate changes already impact African health systems and the urgent need for regional and national action to address these challenges.The session concluded with two panel discussions on the impact of climate on health equity, and practical steps towards implementing environmental policies.Tune in to the Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week ‘HealthBeats’ podcast to hear from Stefan Weber, Vice President, Head of Global Policy, Advocacy and Health Equity, AstraZeneca, on how initiatives like PHSSR are working to decarbonise healthcare and support a healthier future for people and communities around the world.

['HealthBeats' podcast](https://www.adghw.com/healthbeats-podcast/listen-watch/2024/january/the-interplay-between-climate-and-health/)


## Inspiring action

Delivering closing remarks, PHSSR Steering Committee member Iskra Reic, Executive Vice President, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, AstraZeneca, reflected on the critical importance of bringing policymakers, experts, and stakeholders together during events like the PHSSR 3rd Summit and Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week, to ensure health systems can effectively serve people and communities worldwide, both now and in the future.Many thanks to all those who shared their knowledge and expertise during this important event:H.E. Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of Department of Health, DOHH.E. Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, Minister of Health, EgyptH.E. Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Health, GreeceH.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General, Africa Centres for Disease Control and PreventionH.E. Dr. Ahmed Al Khazraji, Acting Director General, ADPHCBayna Saif Alawani, Executive Director, Healthcare Payers, DOHDr. Rashed Obaid Alsuwaidi, Executive Director, Healthcare Workforce, DOHDr. Saleh Saif Salem Fares Al Ali, Executive Director, Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response, DOHDr. Anderson E. Stanciole, Advisor, Director General Office, ADPHCH.E. Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri, Executive Director, Community Health SectorDr. Amal Madhi, Director, Environmental & Occupational Health & Safety Department, DOHDr. Mohammed Hassany, Assistant Minister for projects and public health initiatives, Ministry of Health, EgyptProfessor Elias Mossialos, Brian Abel-Smith Professor of Health Policy at LSE and Director of LSE Health, Co-Chair of PHSSR EU Expert Advisory GroupGeorge Wharton, Associate Professor, Department of Health Policy, LSEProfessor Hesham Dinana, Assistant Professor, The American University in Cairo, PHSSR Research Lead, EgyptProfessor Chakib Nejjari, Vice President in charge of the Health Pole, Euromed University of FesDr. Ines Hassan, Director of the Global Health Security Consortium, Tony Blair InstituteRyoji Noritake, President, Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI)Bathylle Missika, Head of the Networks, Partnership and Gender Division, OECD Development CentreDr. Imane Kendili, President, African Global HealthDr. David C. Rhew, Global Chief Medical Officer & VP of Healthcare, MicrosoftDr. David Wilson, Program Director in the Health, Nutrition and Population Global Practice, World BankMichel Demaré, Chair of the Board, AstraZenecaSameh El Fangary, Country President – GCC Cluster, AstraZenecaPelin Incesu, Area Vice President, Middle East & Africa, AstraZenecaStefan Weber, VP Global Policy, Advocacy and Health Equity, AstraZenecaSamir Said, Connected Care Leader, PhilipsParticipating PHSSR Steering Committee members:Emanuele Capobianco, Chief Strategy and Impact Officer, WHO Foundation Iskra Reic, Executive Vice President, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, AstraZeneca Jan-Willem Scheijgrond, Vice President, Global Head of Government and Public Affairs, Philips Anna van Poucke, Global Head of Healthcare, KPMG International