Saima Wazed elected as WHO regional director

Saima Wazed has been elected as the Regional Director of World Health Organisation's (WHO) South-East Asia Region (SEARO). The granddaughter of the country's founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the daughter of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured overwhelming support in an 8-2 vote.

In the regional election held in New Delhi today, Saima Wazed Putul received support from 8 countries. On the other hand, the Nepali candidate received support from only 2 countries. As a result, for the next 5 years, Saima Wazed will serve as the Regional Director of World Health Organisation's (WHO) South-East Asia Region (SEARO).

As an internationally renowned autism expert, she has previously served in various international organizations as an autism specialist and consultant.

Saima Wazed Putul will replace Dr Poonam Khetrapal from India, who is currently serving as the Regional Director of World Health Organisation's South-East Asia Region. Previously, no one from Bangladesh has been elected to the position of Regional Director for the World Health Organization’s South-East Asia Region.

It should be noted that the South Asian region of the World Health Organization is represented by a total of 11 countries. Myanmar's membership remains suspended due to sanctions.

Prior to this, the government approved Saima Wazed to contest for the position of Regional Director at the World Health Organization, and the neighboring country India supported the candidate from Bangladesh. This victory of Saima Wazed is considered a significant achievement for Bangladesh in the health sector.