Saudi Arabia nominates Dr. Hanan Balkhi for the top position at the World Health Organization
Saudi Arabia has announced the nomination of Dr. Hanan Balkhi for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the term from 2027 to 2032, succeeding Tedros Adhanom, whose term ends in August 2027. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) stated that the nomination reflects the Kingdom’s belief in the pivotal role played by the WHO in strengthening global health security and supporting countries in building more efficient, sustainable, and resilient health systems capable of addressing current and future health challenges. It also underscores the Kingdom’s firm commitment to supporting multilateral health cooperation and continuing its active contribution to international efforts aimed at enhancing prevention, preparedness, and response to health emergencies, achieving universal health coverage, and ensuring access to health services for the most vulnerable communities, in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The agency noted that Dr. Hanan Balkhi possesses extensive scientific and leadership expertise in public health, infectious diseases, infection prevention and control, health security, health systems, and global health. She also has broad leadership experience within the WHO at the country, regional, and global levels. Among her most prominent positions are her election as WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region and her tenure as the first Assistant Director-General for Antimicrobial Resistance. Throughout her career, Dr. Balkhi has contributed to the development and implementation of numerous health initiatives and policies aimed at protecting communities and strengthening health system capacities.
The Kingdom’s nomination of Dr. Hanan Balkhi reflects its aspiration to contribute to the continued development of the WHO, enhance its capacity to respond to the needs of member states, and reinforce the principles of equity, transparency, and efficiency, while building effective international partnerships that promote health and well-being worldwide.
