The Minister of Health, H.E.Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel, praised the Cabinet’s recognition of the Kingdom’s leadership across the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa Region, following the accreditation of 16 Healthy Cities by the World Health Organization (WHO). He affirmed that this achievement reflects the strong support of the wise leadership for the ongoing health transformation journey and their constant commitment to placing human health at the forefront of national development priorities.
The Minister explained that Saudi Arabia’s top ranking among countries in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa Region, with 16 WHO-accredited Healthy Cities, underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to making human health the foundation of development, and to promoting prevention and quality of life in alignment with the goals of Vision 2030 and the Health Transformation Program.
He added that this progress highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to providing a sustainable and healthy environment that meets the highest international standards. It also reflects the fruitful intersectoral collaboration among government entities, as well as the efforts of the Ministerial Committee for Health in All Policies, which collectively promote preventive health, empower communities, and foster sustainable healthy lifestyles consistent with Vision 2030’s goal of building a Vibrant Society with sustained well-being and an enhanced quality of life.
He noted that the Kingdom’s Healthy Cities have become a living embodiment of Vision 2030, transforming the concept of “health” from a purely medical service into a comprehensive lifestyle that integrates smart urban planning, individual empowerment, and community participation.
He emphasized that this approach has strengthened prevention as a way of life, creating sustainable urban environments that support physical, mental, and social well-being. This has made Saudi Healthy Cities a global model, contributing to raising life expectancy to 79 years, reducing health and economic burdens, and building a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
The Ministry of Health, represented by the Healthy Cities Program, continues—through cooperation with various government entities—to expand the number of accredited Healthy Cities, further solidifying the Kingdom’s regional and global leadership in developing sustainable cities that embody the principle of “Prevention is better than cure,” enhance quality of life, and promote integrated urban and health development.