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.