Saima Wajid Appointed WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 25-01-2024

Saima Wajid Appointed WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia

Person in News 4 min read

Saima Wajid of Bangladesh has been sworn in as the Regional Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia Region on 23 January 2024. WHO's appointment of Saima Wajid as Regional Director of the South-East Asia Region was confirmed by its Executive Board in Geneva, Switzerland.

Wajid defeats Shambhu Prasad Acharya of Nepal:

Bangladesh's Saima Wajid had won the election to become the Regional Director for South East Asia at the World Health Organisation in New Delhi on 1 November 2023.
Saima Wajid defeated Shambhu Prasad Acharya of Nepal by six votes in the election to become South East Asia Regional Director.

Saima is the daughter of PM Sheikh Hasina:

Saima Wajid is the daughter of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Saima Wajid has worked extensively on autism.
Wajid has updated the public health rules of Bangladesh.
Wajid has also implemented the Mental Health Act of 2018 and the National Mental Health Strategic Plan for 2020-25.

Poonam will take charge from Khetrapal:

The current WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia Region is Poonam Khetrapal Singh of India. Saima Wajid will take over from Poonam Khetrapal Singh from February 1, 2024.

India had confirmed support to the Bangladeshi candidate:

India had affirmed its support for the Bangladeshi candidate well in advance for the elections, joining other supporting countries.

About World Health Organisation (WHO):

Establishment: Established in 1948 as a specialized agency of the United Nations.
WHO started work from April 7, 1948. Therefore, at present World Health Day is celebrated every year on 7 April.
Headquarters: Located in Geneva, Switzerland.
Director-General: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Currently 194 countries are members of WHO. It has offices in about 150 countries. Along with this, it also has six regional offices.
WHO is an inter-governmental organisation . It generally works in collaboration with the health ministries of its member states.
WHO shapes the health research agenda by providing leadership on global health issues. It also sets various health related norms and standards.
WHO provides technical assistance to countries by articulating evidence-based policy options. It monitors and evaluates health-related trends.

Functions of WHO:

WHO acts as the directing and coordinating authority on international health-related work.
WHO works in coordination with government health administrations.
WHO works with professional groups and other organisations who are leaders in health.
WHO provides support to strengthen health services at the request of governments.
WHO promotes collaboration among scientific and professional groups that contribute to health progress.