The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced the nomination of Dr. Hanan Hassan Balkhi for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the 2027–2032 term.
The nomination reflects the Kingdom's belief in the pivotal role played by the World Health Organization in strengthening global health security and supporting countries in building more efficient, sustainable, and resilient health systems capable of addressing current and future health challenges.
It also reflects the Kingdom's steadfast commitment to supporting multilateral health cooperation and continuing its active contribution to international efforts aimed at strengthening prevention, preparedness, and response to health emergencies, achieving universal health coverage, and ensuring access to healthcare services for the most vulnerable communities, in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Hanan Balkhi has extensive scientific and leadership experience in public health, infectious diseases, infection prevention and control, health security, health systems, and global health. She also has extensive leadership experience within the World Health Organization at the country, regional, and global levels.
Among her most prominent positions, Dr. Balkhi was elected Regional Director of the World Health Organization for the Eastern Mediterranean Region and served as Assistant Director-General for Antimicrobial Resistance.
Throughout her career, Dr. Balkhi has contributed to the development and implementation of numerous health initiatives and policies aimed at protecting communities and strengthening health system capacities.
Saudi Arabia's nomination of Dr. Hanan Balkhi reflects its aspiration to contribute to the continued development of the World Health Organization, enhance its ability to respond to the needs of Member States, uphold the principles of equity, transparency, and efficiency, and build effective international partnerships that contribute to advancing health and well-being globally.