Joint external evaluation of the International Health Regulations (2005) core capacities of Qatar: mission report, 19-23 May 2024

Overview

The Joint External Evaluation (JEE) team expresses its appreciation to Qatar for volunteering for the JEE and for its commitment to global health security. Qatar has made significant progress in implementing the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR (2005)) through comprehensive national policies and actions. The evaluation was conducted using the latest JEE tool version 3, which incorporates lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other health emergencies. Qatar’s effective response to these challenges demonstrates its capacity to manage health emergencies effectively while maintaining routine healthcare services. The country’s investment in health infrastructure and preparedness for mass gatherings, including the 2022 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, is particularly commendable.

Qatar is located in West Asia on a peninsula extending into the Persian Gulf. Its only land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, while the rest of the territory is surrounded by the Persian Gulf. Doha, the capital city, is home to over 80% of the country’s population.

The JEE mission, conducted in Qatar from 19 to 23 May 2024, involved a peer-to-peer consultative process that included discussions, collaboration, and site visits across 19 technical areas. A multisectoral group of national and international experts participated, leading to consensus on scores and priority actions for each technical area. The evaluation was designed to support Qatar’s IHR (2005) implementation and enhance health security.