#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #WHO #Health Leadership #Hanan Balkhy

Dr. Hanan H. Balkhy's Candidacy for WHO Director-General

Dr. Hanan H. Balkhy, currently the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, has announced her candidacy for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). Designated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Balkhy is committed to establishing a WHO that the world can rely on, emphasizing that decisions should be rooted in science and transparency.

Background and Experience

With over 30 years in the field of health, encompassing clinical practice, academic research, and public health leadership, Dr. Balkhy’s career reflects a deep commitment to tackling significant health threats, strengthening health systems, and leading initiatives during crisis situations. She holds extensive experience at various organizational levels of WHO, from national to global, enabling her to understand member states' expectations and the necessary responses to meet those needs.

Her contributions have already made a tangible impact, mobilizing over $1.6 billion for efforts against polio and emergencies, showcasing her capability in resource mobilization and program implementation.

A Vision for the Future

Dr. Balkhy articulates a three-pillar mission for her tenure:
1. Building Trust: She aims to restore the scientific authority of WHO, enhance accountability, and safeguard the organization's independence.
2. Creating Impact: She pledges to improve preparedness, respond swiftly to health emergencies, and bolster support to countries when crises arise.
3. Delivering Measurable Value: She is dedicated to advancing universal health coverage and demonstrating the tangible value of every resource utilized by the organization.

In her vision, Dr. Balkhy stresses the importance of people at the core of global health, moving from mere engagement statements to actionable realities in daily lives.

An Influential Leader

Dr. Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel, Minister of Health of Saudi Arabia, expressed confidence in Dr. Balkhy's expertise, recognizing her as a leading figure in public health who can provide the innovative vision and proven leadership necessary for the role, especially during these transformative times for WHO.

Amid significant global health challenges, Dr. Balkhy’s candidacy emerges as the organization shifts from negotiating pandemic agreements to implementing actionable solutions, seeking to enhance its funding base, and responding to increasing requests for national ownership of health priorities.

Global Engagements

In preparation for her candidacy, Dr. Balkhy has embarked on international visits, engaging with government officials, health sector leaders, and frontline professionals worldwide. Recent notable participations include meetings with the WHO Regional Committees for Africa and Southeast Asia, demonstrating her advocacy for a comprehensive approach to health that includes all areas of WHO’s influence.

She is scheduled to be present at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York and will engage in additional national and multilateral discussions in Washington D.C.

A Well-Rounded Perspective

Dr. Balkhy's professional journey, transitioning from patient care to leadership in global health, illustrates her diverse experience within various health systems and political contexts. Her background in both Saudi Arabia and the U.S. equips her with the unique dual perspective necessary for understanding the complexities of global health. Throughout her career, she has effectively linked science with policy, prioritizing both crisis management and long-term system strengthening with measurable outcomes.

Significantly, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Balkhy played a pivotal role in combating MERS-CoV, establishing infection prevention programs in Saudi Arabia, and leading crucial clinical vaccine trials—efforts that underline her proactive approach to health threats.

Conclusion

Expressing gratitude towards King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saoud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for her nomination, Dr. Hanan H. Balkhy’s candidacy signifies a potential shift towards a more accountable and transparent WHO. Her pledge to prioritize the needs and health of populations worldwide marks a promising evolution in the organization's leadership. Through her vision, the world may witness a renewed commitment to health equity and a proactive, evidence-based approach to global health challenges.