Egypt claims to have succeeded in blocking discussion of "health care issues concerning the homosexual community" at the World Health Organisation's board meeting on 29-30 May. 

According to health minister Mostafa Hamed, Egypt was joined by other member states of the Eastern Mediterranean and Africa in objecting to the topic being included on the agenda.

The Egypt Independent reports:

In his speech to a recent board meeting held in Geneva, the minister said that Egypt's opposition to the inclusion of this topic originates from its respect for religious, cultural, moral, and social values.

"Egypt believes that it is not right to involve the organisation in any issues that are contentious and incompatible with recognised religions, values, and principles," the minister added.

"Such issues are out of the work and policy zone of the World Health Organisation, and rather fall under the purview of the Human Rights Council," he said.

The report does not specify which other countries supported the move. WHO's executive board has 34 members elected for a three-year term. The "Eastern Mediterranean" countries currently represented are Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The current African members are Cameroon, Chad, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and South Africa.

The individuals representing each country have to be "technically qualified", and health minister Hamed represents Egypt. 

The official minutes of this week's meeting in Geneva have 
not yet been posted on WHO's website.
  

Posted by Brian Whitaker
Saturday, 1 June 2012