Dr. Hanan Balkhi of Saudi Arabia has been announced as the regional director of the World Health Organization for the Middle East region. The World Health Organization declared the appointment after receiving the highest number of votes in her favour by member states at the seventieth session of the Organization’s Regional Committee, which was held in Cairo. From 9 to 12 October.
She competed for the position of regional director of the World Health Organization office for the region after the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia nominated her. Her nomination was declared by the Saudi Minister of Health, Fahd bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jalajel.
This nomination is an appreciation of Saudi competencies in the health sector at the national and international levels in light of the support of the well-determined and dedicated leadership.
Moreover, it is a reflection of the empowerment that women have enjoyed throughout the history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Her appointment as a regional director is also seen as a source of inspiration for other women as well. The Saudi health official also said that they are happy with her exceptional achievement.
The Saudi Minister of Health said in his statement on this occasion that, “The election of Dr. Hanan Balkhi as regional director of the organization’s office for the Eastern Mediterranean region confirms the excellence and leadership that displayed by Saudi women in various fields.
The election of Dr. Hanan to this international position also reflects the confidence, support and empowerment that she enjoys in Kingdom.Saudi women have unique leadership skills, which have empowered them to hold many local and international leadership roles.
Hanan Balkhi is a scientist by profession and an international medical expert. She worked for at least 25 years in the field of public health, child health, and infectious diseases, during which she gained comprehensive, exclusive knowledge of managing emergencies related to disease outbreaks like corona.
She is a bachelor’s degree holder in Medicine and Surgery from King Abdulaziz University and also a fellowship in the field of pediatric infectious diseases from Case Western Reserve University. She remained a professor in pediatric infectious diseases at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences.