The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Egypt as malaria-free, marking a significant public health milestone for a country with more than 100 million inhabitants. The achievement follows a nearly 100-year effort by the Egyptian government and people to end a disease that has been present in the country since ancient times. “Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilization itself, but the disease that plagued pharaohs now belongs to its history and not its future,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General on Sunday. "This certification of Egypt as malaria-free is truly historic, and a testament to the commitment of the people and government of Egypt to rid themselves of this ancient scourge. I congratulate Egypt on this achievement, which is an inspiration to other countries in the region, and shows what’s possible with the right resources and the right tools.” Egypt is the third country to be awarded a malaria-free certification in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region following the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, and the first since 2010. Globally, a total of 44 countries and 1 territory have reached this milestone. “Receiving the malaria elimination certificate today is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new phase. We must now work tirelessly and vigilantly to sustain our achievement through maintaining the highest standards for surveillance, diagnosis and treatment, integrated vector management and sustaining our effective and rapid response to imported cases. Our continued multisectoral efforts will be critical to preserving Egypt's malaria-free status,” said Dr Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister of Egypt. "I reaffirm that we will continue with determination and strong will to safeguard the health of all people in Egypt under the wise leadership's guidance and proceed with enhancing our healthcare system, this will remain a cornerstone in protecting the lives of all people living in and visiting Egypt.” Certification of malaria elimination is granted by WHO when a country has proven, beyond reasonable doubt, that the chain of indigenous malaria transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes has been interrupted nationwide for at least the previous three consecutive years. A country must also demonstrate the capacity to prevent the re-establishment of transmission. Egypt’s journey to eliminationMalaria has been traced as far back as 4000 B.C.E. in Egypt, with genetic evidence of the disease found in Tutankhamun and other ancient Egyptian mummies. Early efforts to reduce human-mosquito contact in Egypt began in the 1920s when the country prohibited the cultivation of rice and agricultural crops near homes. With most of Egypt’s population living along the banks of the Nile River and malaria prevalence as high as 40%, the country designated malaria a notifiable disease in 1930 and later opened its first malaria control station focused on diagnosis, treatment and surveillance. “Today, Egypt has proven that with vision, dedication, and unity we can overcome the greatest challenges. This success in eliminating malaria is not just a victory for public health but a sign of hope for the entire world, especially for other endemic countries in our region. This achievement is the result of sustained, robust surveillance investments in a strong, integrated health system, where community engagement and partnerships have enabled progress. Furthermore, collaboration and support to endemic countries, such as Sudan, remain a priority,” said Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. By 1942, malaria cases in Egypt had spiked to more than 3 million as a result of the Second World War population displacement, the disruption of medical supplies and services, and the invasion of Anopheles arabiensis, a highly efficient mosquito vector, among other factors. Egypt succeeded in controlling the malaria outbreak through the establishment of 16 treatment divisions and the recruitment of more than 4000 health workers. The construction of the Aswan Dam, completed in 1969, created a new malaria risk for the country, as standing water produced breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Egypt, in collaboration with Sudan, launched a rigorous vector control and public health surveillance project to rapidly detect and respond to malaria outbreaks. By 2001, malaria was firmly under control and the Ministry of Health and Population set its sights on preventing the re-establishment of local malaria transmission. Egypt rapidly contained a small outbreak of malaria cases in the Aswan Governorate in 2014 through early case identification, prompt treatment, vector control and public education. Malaria diagnosis and treatment are provided free-of-charge to the entire population in Egypt regardless of legal status, and health professionals are trained nationwide to detect and screen for malaria cases including at borders. Egypt’s strong cross-border partnership with neighbouring countries, including Sudan, has been instrumental for preventing the re-establishment of local malaria transmission, paving the way for the country to be officially certified as malaria-free.

The Seventy Seventh Regional Committee Session of WHO South-East Asia wrapped up with Member States adopting resolutions setting new targets for measles and rubella elimination, expanding the corpus of the regional health emergency fund and committing to adolescent responsive health systems. “While regionally, we have made good progress on elimination of measles and rubella, the COVID-19 pandemic did disrupt this progress. I am pleased the Regional Committee has resolved to revise the elimination target,” said Saima Wazed, Regional Director, at the closing of the Regional Committee session held recently in New Delhi. The member countries agreed to extend the target for elimination of measles and rubella by the Region, aspiring to achieve by 2026, according to a message received from the WHO. The resolution also endorsed the “Strategic Plan for measles and rubella elimination and sustenance in the WHO South-East Asia Region 2024–2028” for achieving and sustaining measles and Rubella elimination in the region. Securing adolescent health and well-being is vital for health of future generations: WHO Working against the earlier 2023 target, five countries of the region have achieved Measles and Rubella elimination. At the WHO’s regional annual governing body meeting, the member countries agreed to treble the corpus of South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF) to US$ 3 million beginning 2026. In addition to supporting lifesaving interventions during emergency response, the SEARHEF will also be strengthened to fill critical gaps in health emergency preparedness and capacities of countries. The Regional Committee also endorsed the Ministerial Declaration on adolescent-responsive health systems that countries adopted at a ministerial round table earlier in the week. The declaration calls for policies, resources and services tailored to the unique needs of this age group for a healthier and more equitable future for all. The declaration emphasises on adolescent-responsive health systems as the crucial strategy to strengthen PHC-oriented health systems and achieve universal health coverage. The committee reviewed the progress being made towards achieving universal health coverage and health-related Sustainable Development Goals as countries shared initiatives and reiterated resolve to accelerate efforts to achieve the global targets. WHO grants first mpox vaccine approval to ramp up response to disease in Africa and beyond The three-day Regional Committee that ended yesterday discussed progress reports on previous resolutions including traditional medicines, strengthening health workforce education and training, and intensifying activities for dengue control and malaria elimination. The resolution on decade of action to end viral hepatitis, HIV and STIs, universal access to people centered health care and services, progress and acceleration plan for non-communicable diseases and advancing health emergency preparedness and response in the Region were also deliberated upon. Reiterating WHO Director-General Dr Tedros key tasks made in his opening address to the Regional Committee, Saima Wazed urged Member States to engage actively in negotiations for the Pandemic Agreement. The Regional Director thanked member states for their generous commitment to WHO Investment Round and reiterated WHO’s continued support to accelerate public health across the Region. “We are one team … with a unified vision - a vision which can benefit every living person on this planet. I am pleased to be among you in this noble calling, and in this noble endeavor of ours,” the Regional Director said. During the Regional Committee, member states were felicitated for achievements and advancements in public health. Bhutan was awarded for achieving interim targets for cervical cancer elimination; India for eliminating trachoma; Timor-Leste for eliminating lymphatic filariasis; Maldives and Sri Lanka for Hepatitis B control in children. Bhutan was also given an award for achieving SDG and global targets for reducing under-five mortality and stillbirth rates. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand were awarded for achieving the SDG and global targets for reduction of under-5 mortality, neonatal mortality and stillbirth rates.  

On August 14, The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox or Monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern, which is the highest alert the organization can decree. Since its earlier detection in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2022, Mpox has been spreading across continents contaminating and killing thousands of people. Recently, this deadly disease has been detected in Pakistan, sprouting fear in the neighboring South Asian countries. To stay safe, mass awareness should be raised against Mpox. What is Mpox or Monkeypox? Mpox or Monkeypox is a disease caused by the Mpox virus. When infected by this virus, people show symptoms similar to those of smallpox, like rashes, discolored and swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle aches, fever, and so on. Read more: Health ministry issues mpox alert: Vigilance at entry points; no cases detected in Bangladesh yet Quite rare in humans, the Mpox virus mostly affects rodents, like rats, and mice, and primates, like gorillas, and monkeys. However, for the last two years, a new variation has been alarmingly raising concerns about infecting humans and causing deaths. Mpox Variations Till now, only two variations of the Mpox virus have been found liable for human illness—Clade I and Clade II. According to researchers, the variations liable for the recent outbreak and the outbreak in 2022 are different. The global outbreak of 2022 that infected around 100,000 people was caused by the Clade II variation, whereas, Clade I is liable for the recent situation. The two mutant types share a few differences in terms of their ways of transmission, and symptoms. Read more: How to Keep Your Skin Healthy During Monsoon Clade I Clade I shows a pattern in its process of transmission, taking advantage of a person’s immunodeficiency, making them weak, and slowly pushing them towards death. The mortality rate among the Clade I victims ranges from 1% to 10%. As per reports, the victims have been mostly the inhabitants of Congo. However, the number of victims went up due to the rapid contamination among people in other areas of the world. Clade I is more frequent among children who are infected through contact with animals or other members of their families. Clade II Clade II is responsible for the 2022 outbreak of Mpox. The death rate of Clade II is low, counting only 1% to 4%. The severity of the illness is also more tolerable, causing rashes on a random part of the body mostly around the face and torso instead of the full body. Read more: Congo's humanitarian crisis helped mpox spiral again into a global health emergency How Did the Recent Variation of Mpox Spread? The transmission pathways of Mpox are diverse, including close personal contact, contact with contaminated materials, and interaction with infected animals. Clade II, has shown unique patterns of spread, which has raised new concerns and challenges for public health efforts. Here are some common modes of Transmission of Mpox virus. Close Personal Contact The primary mode of Mpox transmission is through close, personal contact with an infected individual. This includes direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s rashes, scabs, or bodily fluids. The virus can also spread through contact with respiratory secretions such as saliva or mucus. Intimate activities, such as sex, as well as prolonged face-to-face interactions, can facilitate the transmission of the virus. Read more: Pakistan's health ministry confirms a case of mpox but more tests are being done for its variant In the 2022 global outbreak of Clade IIb, the virus predominantly spread through sexual contact. This pattern of transmission underscores the importance of targeted public health messaging and interventions to prevent the further spread of the virus in at-risk populations. Contact with Contaminated Materials Mpox can also spread through contact with objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected person. Items like bedding, towels, clothing can harbor the virus if they are not properly disinfected. This mode of transmission highlights the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices and ensuring that environments, where infected individuals have been, are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Read more: Comprehensive Guide to the Best Home Fitness Equipment in Bangladesh for 2024 Animal-to-Human Transmission Another significant route of Monkeypox transmission is through contact with infected animals. Mpox is endemic in certain wild animals in West and Central Africa, particularly rodents. People can contract the virus by hunting, trapping, or processing these animals, or through bites, scratches, or direct contact with an infected animal’s fluids or waste. While the risk of transmission from pets is low, close contact with an infected pet, such as petting, cuddling, or sharing sleeping spaces, could potentially spread the virus to humans. Recent Developments in Mpox Spread In recent outbreaks, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Clade I variant of the Mpox virus has shown an alarming trend of spreading through sexual contact.  Read more: Circadian Rhythm: How to Reset the Biological Master Clock Moreover, early evidence indicates that Clade I might possess certain properties that enhance its ability to spread from person to person more easily. This has raised concerns about the potential for more widespread outbreaks, particularly in regions with limited surveillance and healthcare infrastructure. Conclusion The recent variations of Mpox, particularly Clade II and Clade I, have shown concerning patterns of transmission.  The virus's ability to spread through close personal contact, contaminated materials, and interaction with infected animals highlights the importance of public awareness and targeted health interventions.  Read more: Cerebral Haemorrhage: Signs, Reasons, Treatment, and Prevention As the situation evolves, understanding the transmission pathways of Mpox or Monkeypox is essential for controlling the spread and protecting vulnerable populations.

Colorectal cancer, or colon cancer as it is commonly known, is a type of cancer that develops at the rectum or colon of the human body. WHO reports that colon cancer is the third leading type of cancer globally with 10% of all reported cases. It is also the third highest reason for cancer-related deaths. Let’s take a detailed look into the fatal disease, what causes it, and how people can potentially save themselves from colon cancer.  How Does Colon Cancer Develop?  The colon or the rectum is the terminal point of the digestive system. It is essentially a sac that houses the bowel and aids in the bowel movement process. The lining of the colon can develop precancerous polyps which can become cancerous over time.  It is important to note that all polyps are not cancerous. However, it is needed to medically treat them at the earliest as there is always the chance of it developing into cancer cells.  The exact cause of polyp development is unknown. However, scientists have often pointed out that genes and age play a crucial role in their development. Other factors like diets, obesity, smoking, and inflammation of the colon lining have been identified as leading causes thus far.  Read more: Measles: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention What are the Symptoms and Causes of Colon Cancer?  Symptoms of colon cancer include:  Change in Bowel Movement  As a precursor to colon cancer, a patient often notices a significant shift in bowel movement. For example, the frequency of diarrhea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency is noticed.  Blood Discharge  A common symptom of colon cancer is the presence of blood in the stool. Patients may not feel any apparent discomfort but dark tarry stools may be noticed during bowel movement.  Pain in the Abdomen  Another common symptom of colon cancer is severe and lasting pain in the abdomen. It generally starts as mild discomfort and gradually moves to severe cramps.  Read more: JN.1: Symptoms, Prevention of and Precautions for the New COVID-19 Variant Anemia  The blood discharge with stool may trigger anemia or loss of red corpuscles in the blood. Anemia also triggers weakness and fatigue which is a secondary symptom of colon cancer.  Unexpected Weight Loss  Another sign of any cancer in general is the unexpected loss of weight. Cancer patients including colon cancer ones tend to rapidly lose weight which may lead to secondary complications.  There are several known causes of colon cancer. These include: Age  Age is one of the commonly identified factors behind colon cancer. Anyone over the age of 50 is at risk of contracting colon cancer though it might occur at any age. Read more: Foods that Help Relieve Nausea and Vomiting Family History  Genetics are also thought to be a reason behind colon cancer. Families with a history of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis or FAP and Lynch Syndrome tend to compound the chances of contracting colon cancer.  Personal Medical History  Colon cancers are often recurring, meaning they can come back even if it is treated completely. A personal medical history of colon cancer or repeated polyp formation may trigger renewed cancer cell generation in the colon linings.  Additionally, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases or IBDs like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease increase the risk of contracting colon cancer. Patients with Type 2 diabetes also run the risk of developing colon cancer. Read more: 10 Dengue Myths Debunked: Here are the Facts

Dhaka has topped the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 269 at 8:55 am this morning (January 30, 2024). Dhaka’s air was classified as 'very unhealthy', posing serious health risks to residents, according to the air quality index. Ghana’s Accra, Uganda’s Kampala and India’s Mumbai occupied the second, third and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 209, 189 and 188 respectively. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. Read more: Environment Ministry announces 100-day programme for 'healthy environment, smart Bangladesh' The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. Read more: Smart technology will be used in all public service delivery: Environment Minister

A sub-variant of the Omicron strain of coronavirus has been classified as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization, because of "its rapidly increasing spread". JN.1 has been found in many countries around the world, including India, China, UK and the United States, reports BBC. The risk to the public is currently low and current vaccines continue to offer protection, the WHO says. But it warns Covid and other infections could rise this winter. Respiratory viruses such as flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and childhood pneumonia are also on the rise in the northern hemisphere. China emerged from 'zero-COVID' in 2023 to confront new challenges in a changed world The virus which causes Covid is constantly changing over time and sometimes this leads to new variants developing. Omicron has been the globally dominant variant for some time. The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently tracking a number of variants of interest linked to Omicron - including JN.1 - although none of them are deemed to be concerning. But JN.1 is spreading quickly in many corners of the world. It is currently the fastest-growing variant in the United States, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, accounting for 15-29% of infections. Bangladesh among 5 countries selected for project to strengthen preparedness to COVID-19, other infectious diseases The UK Health Security Agency says JN.1 currently makes up around 7% of positive Covid tests analysed in a lab. It said it would continue to monitor all available data on this and other variants. Winter surge JN.1 is spreading fast in all regions, probably because it has an additional mutation in the spike protein compared to the BA.2.86 variant from which it's descended. "It is anticipated that this variant may cause an increase in Sars-Cov-2 [coronavirus] cases amid a surge of infections of other viral and bacterial infections, especially in countries entering the winter season," the WHO's risk assessment says. There is still limited evidence on how capable JN.1 is of getting round the immunity offered by vaccines, the WHO says. Bangladesh registers 5 new Covid-19 cases in 24hrs There are no reports of people becoming more ill with this variant than previous ones. But more studies are needed to work out the health impact, the WHO says, as the number of countries reporting data on people admitted to hospital with Covid has dramatically reduced. To prevent infections and severe disease, the WHO advises: • wear a mask in crowded, enclosed areas• cover up coughs and sneezes• clean your hands regularly• stay up to date with Covid and flu vaccinations, especially if vulnerable• stay home if ill• get tested if you have symptoms

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government of Bangladesh on Tuesday (November 28, 2023) signed a loan agreement for $336.5 million to establish domestic vaccine, therapeutics, and diagnostics manufacturing capacity and strengthen the national regulator to ensure vaccine supply security in Bangladesh. Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary, Economic Relations Division, and Edimon Ginting, ADB country director for Bangladesh signed the agreement on behalf of Bangladesh and ADB, respectively. The vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics manufacturing and regulatory strengthening project will establish a vaccine, therapeutic, and diagnostics manufacturing facility and warehousing unit in Essential Drugs Company Limited's (EDCL) existing location at Gopalganj, with a capacity to manufacture 58 million vials of vaccines per year, said the regional development bank. An in-house research and development center will be established to support the production of diagnostic kits and packaging of biosimilar therapeutics. Read: ADB to provide $200 million to promote energy efficiency, transition in Bangladesh It will also support the manufacture of at least two full-cycle vaccines by developing a seed bank, master cell bank, and working cell bank, in addition to at least five fill-and-finish vaccines. “Bangladesh has attained remarkable success in implementing its vaccination programs supported by subsidized vaccines supplied through the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization (GAVI). As Bangladesh graduates from the Least Developed Country status, the supply of vaccine from GAVI will gradually be phased out,” said Country Director Edimon Ginting.  “This project will help create vibrant ecosystem for vaccine production in the country, ensuring sustainable supply in the medium-term, and at the same time, building Bangladesh’s capacity to manage future pandemics better,” he added. The manufacturing facility will incorporate features to promote gender equality and social inclusion as well as green and resilient production using less energy and materials while reducing waste and carbon missions. The facility will seek certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) for good manufacturing practices (GMPs). The ADB loan will support the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) to upgrade its regulatory capacity to WHO maturity level 3 and beyond. ADB will help strengthen laboratory quality management and regulatory inspection systems while improving testing capacity modalities in compliance with WHO's Global Benchmarking Tool. Read: JICA to help improve Bangladesh’s justice delivery system It will create a stable, well-functioning, and integrated regulatory system; help foster international collaboration and trade; and improve private sector participation in Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry. The project will help EDCL and DGDA train their staff in essential GMPs, quality assurance, quality control, validation, and calibration programs in compliance with the biosafety levels, according to ADB. The project is financed through ADB’s $9 billion Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility, launched in December 2020 to provide rapid and equitable vaccine-related support to ADB developing member countries. It builds on ADB’s $940 million support to Bangladesh to purchase safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19 in June 2021. Read more: ADB provides $90 million for clean water, sanitation services in the Hill Tracts

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday (November 01, 2023) thanked the countries, especially neighbouring India, noting that they actively supported Bangladesh’s campaign for Saima Wazed’s win in the WHO South East Asia Regional Director election. “I must thank all the countries, especially India. They helped in our campaign. They actively supported our candidature,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Saima Wazed has been nominated, through an election, as the Regional Director (RD) of the South East Asia Regional Organization (SEARO) of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the term 2024-2028. Bangladesh candidate Saima Wazed wins WHO SEARO Director election The election took place during the 76th session of the Regional Committee for SEARO, the annual governing body meeting of WHO at the regional level, in New Delhi today (November 01, 2023). The election was held by secret ballot with the participation of the 10 member states of the SEARO which were eligible for voting. Saima Wazed bagged eight votes in the bid while the other candidate Dr Shambhu Prasad Acharya, nominated by the Government of Nepal, secured two votes. “I expected 9 votes. Thank God. It was a big challenge. All of us worked very hard. We maintained a very decent campaign,” the foreign minister said. Momen, however, expressed displeasure over mudslinging by a certain group against the Bangladesh candidate. “I found her excellent in technical knowledge and she is also a good organiser,” said the foreign minister. Nomination for WHO Regional Director: Top health experts of the country laud Saima Wazed’s leadership abilities This election with overwhelming support reflects the recognition of Saima’s passion and relentless work in public health and demonstrates the confidence and trust of the region in her leadership skills, the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi said. “Thank you to WHO SEARO Member States for choosing me to be their next Regional Director,” Saima Wazed said in reaction. She paid tribute to the outgoing Regional Director Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, for her decade of service to the public health of the region. “A special tribute as well for my fellow nominee in this race, Dr. Acharya. In his long and distinguished career, he has been an invaluable asset to WHO - and I hope our region will continue to benefit from his knowledge and experience,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “I look forward to building a healthier South-East Asia,” she added. The nomination will be submitted for appointment by the 154th session of the WHO Executive Board, which takes place from January 22 to 27, 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. The newly appointed regional director will take office on February 1, 2024 for a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once. WHO regional director election: Momen conveys Bangladesh’s gratitude to Thailand for support to Saima Wazed Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, conducted an effective campaign in favour of the Bangladesh candidature since the very beginning of the election process. The SEARO is one of the six regions of WHO with its headquarters in New Delhi, India. It comprises 11 countries, namely, Bangladesh, Bhutan, DPR Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor Leste. The SEARO is headed by the RD who is nominated by the members of the SEARO countries. Saima Wazed presents souvenir to PM Modi in presence of PM Hasina

Saima Wazed, one of the candidates for the post of World Health Organization’s (WHO) regional director for South-east Asia, has expressed optimism about her chances, referring to a lot of “positive feedback.” Saima Wazed, who has worked in the field of autism, speaking to Indian English language news channel WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, said, “If elected, my real goal is to ensure that mental health, which has been sorely neglected and is a huge challenge, is incorporated within the entire health system.” WHO's South-east Asia office is one of the six key regional units and works with 11 member states. Asked about her political links, given she is the daughter of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Saima Wazed said, “I have always known who I am, and I know that there will always be a reminder of that, but I was also raised as a refugee, I was also raised by a mother who had lost everything overnight.” Read: Resolving Palestine crisis depends on ‘united efforts’ by Muslim Ummah: PM “When you're the daughter of somebody very, very important and very successful, everybody assumes that things are much easier for you, but you don't get to be successful unless you work hard,” Saima Wazed said. The names of the candidates for the election of the next regional director for WHO SEARO were sent by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to the relevant member states on August 18, 2023. The candidates are Saima Wazed Putul, nominated by Bangladesh, and Dr Shambhu Prasad Acharya, nominated by Nepal. The Regional Committee of WHO South-east Asia  will vote to nominate the next regional director in a closed meeting during its seventy-sixth session from October 30 to November 2, in New Delhi, India. Read:Stop Israel-Palestine war, save women and children: PM Hasina urges world leaders The nomination will then be submitted for appointment by the 154th session of the WHO Executive Board, which takes place from January 22 to 27, 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. The newly appointed regional director will take office on February 1, 2024 for a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once.

Saima Wazed has been nominated by the Government of Bangladesh for the post of Regional Director of World Health Organization’s (WHO) South-East Asia Region (SEARO). WHO SEARO is one of the six regional offices of the WHO, composed of representatives of the member states. Read more: UNICEF , WHO for greater breastfeeding support across all workplaces “I am deeply honoured to be nominated by the Government of Bangladesh for WHO SEARO Regional Director,” Saima Wazed said.  “If elected, I plan on working in close collaboration with the Member States to realise my vision for the public health policies and practices of our region. I believe in working in partnerships, and hearing from communities themselves to create lasting solutions that work from the ground up. This has characterised my work till date, and this is what I hope to bring to this role.” Saima Wazed’s significant achievements include drafting three international resolutions that were subsequently adopted by member countries of the UN and WHO: — In 2014 at WHO 67.8 Comprehensive and Coordinated Efforts for the Management of Autism Spectrum Disorders. — In 2012 WHO-RC: SEA/RC65/ R8 Comprehensive and Coordinated Efforts for the Management of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities. —  In 2012 UNGA: 67/82 Addressing the Socioeconomic Needs of Individuals, Families and Societies Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Disorders and Associated Disabilities. Read more: WHO endorses landmark public health decisions on Essential Medicines for Multiple Sclerosis Saima Wazed is currently completing her doctoral studies at Barry University (USA) in Organisational Leadership. She has been an Advisor to the Director General of WHO on Mental Health and Autism since 2019, and is a member of WHO’s Expert Advisory Panel on Mental Health since 2014. In August 2023 she was appointed as an Associate Fellow at the Global Health Program at Chatham House, where she has also been serving since 2022 as a Commissioner at the Commission for Universal Health. Since 2020, she has served as Thematic Ambassador for Vulnerability for the Climate Vulnerable Forum, and from 2017 to 2019 was appointed as WHO SEARO’s Goodwill Ambassador for Autism. In Bangladesh, she is the Chief Advisor for the National Mental Health Strategic Plan 2020-2025, and since 2012 has been Chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on Autism and NDDs. Her current academic and training work includes being Adjunct Faculty at Barry University in the USA, Visiting Faculty at Dhaka University, Visiting Specialist at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital, and Visiting Faculty at the National Institute of Mental Health in Dhaka. She has been invited to speak at several high-level conferences and events around the world, including side events at the UN General Assembly in the USA, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda, the World Assembly of Women in Japan, COP26 and 27 in Scotland and Egypt respectively, UNESCO’s High Level Roundtable in Sri Lanka, the Global Child Nutrition Forum in Cambodia, the World Economic Forum in India, the World Congress of Psychiatry in Portugal, and others. Read more: Cheerful PM’s photo with Joy, Putul from Padma Bridge takes netizens by storm She is a licensed school psychologist, having worked in the public school system of Orange County and Duval County, in Florida (USA) for over three years. Over her years of service, she has received a number of international awards, including a citation for Excellence in Public Health by WHO SEARO, the Distinguished Alumni Award by Barry University in the USA, International Champion Award by Shema Kolainu in the USA, and was listed by Columbia University as an Innovative (Women) Leader in Global Mental Health. The Government of Nepal has nominated its candidate alongside Bangladesh for the post. The Regional Director will be voted on by the eleven WHO SEARO member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste. More on Saima Wazed: https://saimawazed.info/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/saimawazed/ https://twitter.com/drSaimaWazed/