#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #WHO #Hanan Balkhy

Dr. Hanan H. Balkhy Seeks WHO Director-General Position

Dr. Hanan H. Balkhy, currently serving as the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, has formally announced her candidacy for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), backed by a nomination from Saudi Arabia. With a robust background in clinical medicine, academic research, and leadership in international public health, Dr. Balkhy brings over 30 years of experience to her campaign, where she emphasizes the need for a WHO that the world can depend on.

A Vision for the Future

In her candidacy announcement, Dr. Balkhy articulated a three-part platform that aims to enhance trust, prepare for health crises, and deliver measurable results in global health efforts. She stated, "The world needs a WHO it can count on, grounded in science and transparency; one that is prepared before crises develop and decisive in their aftermath."

Her platform is structured around three core pillars:
1. Trust - Dr. Balkhy intends to restore the scientific authority of WHO, ensuring accountability and preserving the organization’s independence.
2. Impact - Her agenda includes strengthening the preparedness of countries for health emergencies to enable swift and effective responses.
3. Value - She is committed to advancing universal health coverage and strengthening individual countries' healthcare capacities, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively.

A Respected Leader

As the first-ever Assistant Director-General for Antimicrobial Resistance at WHO, Dr. Balkhy has previously demonstrated her commitment to addressing global health challenges. She has led efforts to mobilize over $1.6 billion in additional resources for critical health programs, including polio initiatives and emergency responses. Dr. Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Health, praised her as a leading public health expert with the innovative thinking and proven leadership required in today's complex health landscape.

Dr. Balkhy describes herself as someone who has spent her career tackling health threats and reinforcing health systems during crises. Her experience extends to serving across WHO at country, regional, and global levels, providing her with a holistic understanding of member states' needs and how to effectively deliver results.

Global Engagements

Currently, Dr. Balkhy is engaging in a series of international visits to meet with health leaders, government officials, and frontline healthcare workers worldwide. Her recent activities include attending WHO Regional Committee Meetings in Africa and Southeast Asia, with upcoming engagements planned in the United States at the UN General Assembly and various meetings in Washington D.C.

In a time where the WHO is shifting from planning to implementing the Pandemic Agreement and addressing financial strengthening, Dr. Balkhy’s candidacy comes at a critical juncture. She emphasizes the importance of keeping people at the center of global health initiatives.

Dr. Balkhy expressed her profound gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, highlighting the support from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for her nomination. She sees this as a reflection of their commitment to global health equity, reiterating her dedication to advancing health for all.

As Dr. Hanan H. Balkhy embarks on this pivotal journey to potentially lead the WHO, her focus on trust, impact, and measurable value presents a hopeful vision for the organization and the global health landscape at large.