Saudi flag
Official government website of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia How to verify
Links to official Saudi websites end with .gov.sa

All links to official websites of government agencies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia end with gov.sa. gov.sa.

Government websites use the HTTPS protocol for encryption and security.

Secure websites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia use the HTTPS protocol for encryption.

Healthy Cities

Definition of a Healthy Cities

A Healthy City is:

A city that seeks to improve the lifestyle of its residents by providing a clean environment, integrated health services, and effective community participation, in accordance with the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).

How is it Accredited?
A city is accredited as a “Healthy City” by the World Health Organization (WHO) after meeting 80 comprehensive criteria that cover nine key areas. These include:
Environment, Public Health, Nutrition, Safety, Community Participation, and others, under the framework of the Accredited Healthy Cities Program recognized globally

Accredited Healthy Cities in the Kingdom:
    • Diriyah
    • Jalajil
    • Ghat
    • Zulfi
    • Al-Jamoum
    • Jeddah
    • Taif
    • Madinah
    • Al-Khobar
    • Tabuk
    • Al-Aridah
    • Sharurah
    • Al-Mundiqi
    • Princess Nourah University
    • Unaizah
    • Riyadh Al-Khabra
The Healthy Cities initiative in the Kingdom embodies a concrete commitment to Saudi Vision 2030, as the concept of health evolves from focusing solely on clinics to encompassing neighborhoods, and from treatment to prevention.

By adhering to the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO), a significant number of Saudi cities have obtained official accreditation as Healthy Cities, while other cities continue their journey toward accreditation, within a comprehensive national framework directed toward healthier and more sustainable communities.

How Did Saudi Cities Succeed in Gaining WHO Accreditation?
 
Several cities in Saudi Arabia have successfully obtained Healthy City accreditation from the World Health Organization (WHO), thanks to integrated national efforts led by the Ministry of Health, and with the support of various government entities. These efforts align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enhance quality of life.

Key Success Factors:
    • Leadership support and concern for the health of citizens and the quality of life.
    • Effective coordination among the Ministry of Health, municipalities, educational institutions, and environmental authorities.
    • Implementation of WHO global standards in public health, cleanliness, environment, and community awareness.
    • Broad community participation that contributed to promoting healthy behaviors and improving the local environment.
What are the 80 Evaluation Criteria?
The eighty criteria are categorized into nine main domains, including:
 
First: Community Empowerment for Health and Development
  1. Groups composed of representatives and volunteers were selected and trained to assess needs, set priorities, analyze data, develop projects, monitor progress, and apply mechanisms for documentation and reporting.
  2. A City Health Coordination Committee was established and officially registered with local authorities as a community-based or non-governmental organization. Its members were clearly oriented toward their roles and responsibilities.
  3. The representative and volunteer groups became active partners in local health and social planning, contributing effectively to implementing actions and providing health care and other community services.
  4. The City Health Coordination Committee oversees and monitors social and economic projects, documents achievements, identifies obstacles, and develops local solutions to address challenges.
  5. A multipurpose community center has been established—or planned—based on community needs, to serve as a venue for meetings, vocational training, community information, and the organization of cultural, national, and religious events.
  6. The City Health Coordination Committee works to mobilize resources and build partnerships with potential stakeholders in support of local development and sustainability.
  7. Women’s and youth groups have been established and officially registered. They actively participate in implementing community initiatives and development activities.
Second: Intersectoral Cooperation and Partnership​
  8. Members of the City Health Coordination Committee were nominated and officially appointed by various relevant sectors.
   9. The City Health Coordination Committee was formed under the leadership of the mayor or governor, bringing together representatives from all concerned sectors. All meeting proceedings were documented, and reports were duly submitted.
  10. An official coordinator for the Healthy City Program was appointed, supported by an adequate number of staff members and provided with an appropriate workspace equipped with the necessary tools and facilities.
   11. Members of the intersectoral team meet regularly with the City Health Coordination Committee to provide technical advice and community support.
   12. Potential partners were identified and contacted, and at least one joint project has been initiated in the area designated as a Healthy City.
 ​ 13. Financial matters related to joint activities are recorded and reported to the relevant authorities, ensuring community participation and transparency.
   14. Success stories are documented, published, and utilized in advocacy and awareness efforts, as well as in developing a comprehensive strategy and culturally appropriate implementation mechanisms overseen by the Local Community Development Committee.

Third: Community Information Center
  15. A Community Information Center was established, and representatives and volunteers from community groups — along with members of the multisectoral team — were trained to collect, analyze, and utilize key data for local development planning.
   16. Key information is displayed at the Community Information Center or the local office of the Healthy City Program, where it is made accessible to the community, partners, and all relevant sectors.
  17. The collected data is used for advocacy and monitoring purposes by the Local Community Development Committee and other concerned entities.
   18. Baseline survey forms and their results are accurately documented, and data related to ongoing projects is regularly updated and made available by the Local Community Development Committee and the designated City Health Focal Point.
   19. The city profile has been fully developed, is regularly updated, and serves as a core reference for planning and monitoring activities.

Fourth: Urban Environment (Water, Sanitation, Food Safety, and Air Quality)
   20. The program implementation site is characterized by cleanliness and the presence of sufficient green spaces.
    21. A community-based, efficient solid waste management system has been fully established within the program’s implementation area.
    22. A detailed map identifying water sources and protection measures has been developed, along with a water treatment plan, which the City Health Coordination Committee has been fully briefed on.
   23. All households have access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation facilities. Awareness has been raised regarding the risks of unsafe water, and guidance is provided on purification methods using locally available means.
   24. Representatives and volunteers from community groups have been trained to maintain healthy environments and sites, and to support community interventions such as healthy markets, healthy hospitals, and healthy schools.
   25. The community actively participates in promoting food safety. Local markets and food outlets offering healthy products are monitored by national food safety authorities.
   26. Access to healthy food markets that provide essential products — such as iodized salt — has become easier and more widespread.
   27. Smoking has been banned in enclosed and public areas, and a plan has been developed to transform the city into a smoke-free city, which is currently under approval and implementation.
  28. A Community Air Quality Monitoring Center has been established within the program’s implementation site, in collaboration with the municipality, to ensure regular monitoring of air pollution levels and to raise public awareness of air pollution risks and its health impacts.
   29. Urban planners implement targeted interventions aimed at reducing air pollution and improving air quality.
   30. An air pollution impact assessment is conducted prior to approving urban and residential planning schemes. These plans ensure that residents have access to clean fuels, adequate ventilation, and improved, environmentally friendly stoves and heating equipment.

Fifth: Health Services
  31. Representatives and community health volunteers have been trained on health-related issues and programs to become active promoters of health awareness and education. They regularly follow up on activities through continuous communication with local healthcare providers.
  32. Representatives and health volunteers record and report vital statistics, including births and deaths.
  33. The City Health Coordination Committee, in collaboration with healthcare providers, has completed the establishment of a sustainable referral system.
  34. Community members have been effectively trained and engaged in projects based on participatory community research.
  35. A subcommittee affiliated with the City Health Coordination Committee has been formed to manage and oversee local health services.
  36. All essential medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies are available in health facilities within urban areas, according to the needs of the local healthcare system.
  37. Regular assessments are conducted to evaluate the quality of healthcare services, client satisfaction, staff competency, and community engagement, with corrective actions taken accordingly.
   38. All pregnant women receive timely antenatal care, including tetanus vaccination. A safe delivery plan is developed for each woman in her third trimester, ensuring access to clean and secure birth facilities supervised by trained professionals.
  39. All mothers receive postpartum care for a minimum of forty days.
  40. All children are immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases by their first birthday.
  41. All newborns are registered by community representatives and health volunteers and are immunized at birth and during their first year, following the national Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) schedule.
  42. The City Health Coordination Committee, community groups, and health volunteers actively participate in polio eradication campaigns whenever they are implemented.
  43. Children under five years of age have access to healthcare services, including regular growth monitoring, supported by an effective follow-up system.
   44.  Children and mothers suffering from malnutrition, vitamin A deficiency, or iron-deficiency anemia are identified, treated, and monitored regularly.
  45. The DOTS strategy (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-Course) for tuberculosis control is implemented in collaboration with trained community representatives and health volunteers.
  46. A malaria control program is implemented — when necessary — with active participation from community groups and volunteers, under the leadership of local community development committees.
  47. Community representatives and health volunteers report suspected cases of tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and other communicable diseases to the nearest health facility. They also participate in follow-up activities as trained and encourage families to engage in regular weekly physical activities.
  48. An awareness program is implemented to educate the community about HIV transmission and prevention. Community representatives and volunteers provide support and care for people living with HIV.
​   49. All individuals with chronic diseases — such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, or kidney disorders — are identified and mapped in detail. A follow-up plan ensures they undergo regular checkups and adhere to their prescribed treatments.
   50. People with mental health disorders or substance dependence are identified and provided with community support, alongside awareness campaigns aimed at reducing stigma and promoting inclusion.
  51. All individuals with physical disabilities are identified and provided with community-based assistance to help them earn a living and maintain independence.
  52. High-risk areas within the program’s implementation zone are identified, and preventive measures are taken to reduce mortality, injuries, and disabilities resulting from accidents.
  53. The program area is free from crime, violence, and all forms of discrimination — including gender-based and racial discrimination.
  54. The community supports, adopts, and strengthens early childhood development programs and promotes child-friendly homes and communities.
  55. All school health initiatives are implemented in every school within the program’s coverage area.​
  56. Occupational health and safety measures are in place in all workplaces — particularly those concerning accident prevention — and workers have easy and prompt access to first aid services and equipment.

Sixth: Emergency Preparedness and Response
  57. Emergency situations that occurred over the past twenty years have been identified, with documentation of the number of casualties and the extent of damage sustained by local infrastructure.
  58. A subcommittee for emergency preparedness and response has been established, with clear guidance provided and responsibilities distributed among its members.
  59. The city’s master plan has been completed, with a copy safely stored outside the program’s implementation area to ensure accessibility when needed.
  60. Representatives of community groups and health volunteers have been trained on emergency preparedness plans, methods for handling critical and urgent cases, and the provision of first aid whenever and wherever required.
  61. A contingency emergency plan has been developed and communicated to the relevant authorities to mobilize resources and take necessary actions. The community has been made aware of this plan, including what actions to take, whom to notify, and the specific roles and responsibilities during emergencies.
  62. Vulnerable population groups have been mapped using geographic data — including pregnant women, individuals with physical disabilities, people with chronic diseases, those suffering from malnutrition, the elderly, and individuals with mental disorders. This information is maintained by the relevant authorities in advance, prior to any emergency occurrence.

Seventh: Education
  63. All school-aged children — both boys and girls — are enrolled in schools, with no recorded cases of dropout.
  64. School principals hold regular meetings with local community development committees, parents, and other stakeholders to evaluate the quality of education, the school environment, students’ health conditions, and the relationship between families and teachers, with the aim of addressing current and potential gaps or challenges.
  65. Education quality standards are applied in all schools within the program’s implementation area and are reviewed regularly to ensure their effectiveness.
  66. A subcommittee on education has been established under the Community Development Committee to monitor and evaluate school performance on a regular basis, in coordination with the regional education administration.
  67. Youth and women’s groups have been encouraged to actively participate in literacy campaigns through volunteer work and community-based initiatives.

Eighth: Skills Development and Capacity Building
   68. Processes for assessing and enhancing local skills, interests, and appropriate technologies to meet community needs have been completed.
   69. Training centers focusing on skills relevant to local market demands for both men and women have been established and are supported by multisectoral teams.
  70. The City Health Coordination Committee prioritizes providing loans to students of vocational training centers to support the continuation of their education and the development of their skills.
  71Vocational training centers have become self-financed and self-managed, operated by the local community or non-governmental organizations.
  72. Centers for computer training, language education, and sports activities have been established, all of which are now self-managed and self-financed by the local community or non-governmental organizations.
  73. Creative and innovative individuals within the community are identified and provided with support and encouragement to strengthen their developmental contributions.

Ninth: Support for Small Projects​
  74. Vulnerable and low-income individuals within the community are identified according to specific criteria agreed upon by the City Health Coordination Team, and they are given priority in accessing income-generating activities and loans.
  75. Local skills are linked with vocational training centers and lending programs to ensure integration and progress toward community self-sufficiency.
  76. All financial matters are recorded and monitored by the financial officer of the City Health Coordination Committee to ensure transparency and accountability.
  77. Loan repayments are carried out systematically, following clear monitoring mechanisms established by the City Health Coordination Committee or the local banking system.
  78. A bank account has been opened for the City Health Coordination Committee or the program office, and all financial transactions related to microcredit scheduling are conducted through the bank, with both the program coordinator and the community fully aware of the procedures.
  79. A service fee ranging between 5% and 10% is collected for each income-generating loan, and these funds are deposited into a ​mittee or the local banking system.
  78. A bank account has been opened for the City Health Coordination Committee or the program office, and all financial transactions related to microcredit scheduling are conducted through the bank, with both the program coordinator and the community fully aware of the procedures.
  79. A service fee ranging between 5% and 10% is collected for each income-generating loan, and these funds are deposited into a separate account designated to support social development activities (such as social development funds).
  80. Representatives of the constituent groups ensure that deposits are repaid on time through monthly installments paid by the beneficiaries, each according to their group, while keeping the amounts paid in a revolving fund dedicated to supporting future activities.
​​


Last Update : 09 November 2025 10:48 AM
Reading times :