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Bangladesh candidate Saima Wazed has been nominated as World Health Organisation’s (WHO) new regional director for South East Asia region for a four-year term beginning from 2024 in an election defeating lone candidate from Nepal, the global health organization said in a statement today.
“Member states voted to nominate Saima Wazed during a closed meeting at the seventy-sixth session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia Region,” the statement read.
She is the daughter of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and known for her global campaign on mental health with extra focus on autism.
Officials familiar with the election process said in line with the practice, the nomination would be submitted to the WHO Executive Board during its 154th session, taking place on 22-27 January, 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland.
“The newly appointed regional director will take office on 1 February 2024,” the Bangladesh’s foreign ministry in a statement, meanwhile, said.
The ministry said Saima was elected in a secret ballot with the participation of 10 member states of WHO regional nations including India while she bagged 8 votes and her contender Dr Shambhu Prasad Acharya of Nepal received 2.
“This election with overwhelming support reflects the recognition of Saima’s passion and relentless work in public health and demonstrates the confidence and trust of the region in her leadership skills,” the ministry commented.
The South East Asia Regional Organization (SEARO) is one of the six regions of WHO with its headquarters in New Delhi.
It comprises 11 countries — Bangladesh, Bhutan, DPR Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor Leste.
The SEARO is headed by the regional director who is nominated by the members of the SEARO countries.