Saima Wazed appointed as WHO South-East Asia director

Desk Report

Publisted at 8:58 PM, Tue Jan 23rd, 2024

Saima Wazed, globally renowned for her expertise in mental health, particularly in autism, has officially been appointed as the World Health Organization's regional director for South-East Asia.

The WHO Executive Board approved Saima Wazed's nomination on Tuesday (23 January) during its 154th session in Geneva, Switzerland.

The 11 member countries of the region include Bangladesh, Bhutan, DPR Korea, India, Indonesia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste.

Saima Wazed, prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s daughter, was nominated through a member states vote at the Seventy-sixth session held in New Delhi on 1 November.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has extended congratulations to Saima Wazed on her appointment.

"You have the confidence and trust of the member states of the South East Asia and of the Executive Board," Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote in a post from X handle.

He wrote Saima has been entrusted with guiding the health systems of 11 countries comprising nearly two billion people. The region is extremely diverse, and the range of health challenges is equally diverse, he added.

 "Of course, you are not alone. You are supported by a very dedicated and talented team at the Regional Office. You have my full support and trust, and that of my colleagues in headquarters. I look forward to working with you," WHO DG wrote.

Previously, she led the campaign for autism awareness in Bangladesh at a time when parents used to conceal their children with this neurodevelopmental disorder due to the social stigma attached to the disease.

She is a licensed school psychologist in the US and a faculty member of the Adrian Dominican School of Education (ADSOE) at Barry University, USA.

Bangladesh’s National Advisory Committee on Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders and the Global Autism Public Health Initiative were established under Saima Wazed’s chairmanship.

 

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