By Staff Reporter
Gulf Cooperation Council countries achieved 100 percent immunisation coverage in 2024, far exceeding the global average of about 84 percent, according to new figures released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf.
The data, published in the centre’s weekly bulletin marking World Health Day 2026, highlighted the Gulf region’s expanding public health systems and the success of national vaccination programmes across member states.
The bulletin also revealed that GCC countries contributed nearly $842.7 million in 2023 toward health sector financing and medical research through Official Development Assistance, representing approximately 4.6 percent of global international development aid.
According to the report, the Gulf states continue to align their healthcare strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3, which promotes healthy lives and well-being for all age groups.
The centre said investment in scientific research remains a key priority, with GCC nations increasingly supporting developing countries through healthcare partnerships, capacity-building programmes, and improved access to essential medicines and vaccines.
Officials added that sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and stronger international cooperation will remain central to Gulf health policy as the region advances toward universal health coverage and long-term healthcare sustainability.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
