Saima Wazed has been nominated as the next World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for South-East Asia, according to the UN health body. Bangladesh, Bhutan, North Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste are member states of WHO South-East Asia Region.
Saima Wazed announced her nomination in a post on her X (formerly Twitter) account, "Thank you to
WHO SEARO Member States for choosing me to be their next Regional Director!"
"I would like to pay tribute to our outgoing RD, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, for her decade of service to the public health of our region", she added.
Saima tributed especially for her fellow nominee in this race, Dr. Acharya.
She said, "In his long & distinguished career, he has been an invaluable asset to WHO and I hope our region will continue to benefit from his knowledge & experience. I look forward to building a healthier South-East Asia."
The nomination will 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.