Amid the complex and interconnected crises facing the Arab region, the Arab Anti-Corruption and Integrity Network remains committed to highlighting the risks of corruption that threaten the sustainability of vital sectors. Among these sectors, the health sector is of paramount importance, given the challenges it faces, from insufficient funding and poor quality of healthcare services to weak governance and lack of participation in decision-making.

In this context, and within the framework of its regional partnership with our Network and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt, organized a high-level regional conference titled "Integrity in the Health Sector in the Arab Region: Risks, Solutions, and the Role of Stakeholders" in Cairo on 21 October 2024.

The conference provided participants with an opportunity to explore the concepts and practices of integrity in the health sector and its strategic importance in ensuring this sector can fulfill its role in achieving sustainable development in the Arab region. It also offered a specialized platform for exchanging relevant experiences and deepening the dialogue on effective approaches to assess and mitigate corruption risks in the health sector.

More than 40 senior officials participated in the conference, including ministers and high-level representatives from ministries concerned with the health sector, as well as from integrity and anti-corruption commissions, financial and administrative oversight bodies, in addition to officials and experts from regional and international organizations, research centers, and specialized civil society organizations. At the conclusion of the conference, a series of regional recommendations were formulated to enhance the integrity of the health sector in the Arab region and promote effective participation among stakeholders to ensure the provision of healthcare services with efficiency and equity.