Saudi Arabia nominates Hanan Balkhi to lead the World Health Organization
Saudi Arabia has announced the nomination of Dr. Hanan Hassan Al-Bokhari for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the term from 2027 to 2032, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The nomination reflects the Kingdom’s conviction 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.
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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.
Dr. Hanan Al-Bokhari possesses extensive scientific and leadership expertise in public health, infectious diseases, infection prevention and control, health security, health systems, and global health, alongside significant leadership experience within the WHO at country, regional, and global levels.
Among her most prominent roles were her election as Regional Director for the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region and her tenure as the first Assistant Director-General for Antimicrobial Resistance.
Throughout her career, Dr. Al-Bokhari has contributed to the development and implementation of numerous health initiatives and policies aimed at protecting communities and strengthening health system capacities.
Saudi Arabia’s nomination of Dr. Hanan Al-Bokhari 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.
