Saima's debut as regional head of the World Health Organization is a Glory of health sector and Bangladesh is proud

On February 1, Saima Wazed took on the role of Regional Director for South-East Asia at the World Health Organization (WHO). Last year, on November 1, elections were held for the position of Regional Director for South-East Asia among the 11 member states. Among these, 10 countries exercise voting rights, as Myanmar's membership is suspended, and they could not participate in the voting. Out of the 10 countries, all eight nations cast their votes in favour of Saima from Bangladesh. On January 23, during the World Health Organization's Board meeting, Saima's appointment as the Regional Director was approved. For the next five years, Saima will be responsible for overseeing the WHO's activities in the South-East Asia region.

Many intellectuals may think that she has been anointed for this position because she is the daughter of the Prime Minister. I would like to briefly address the three questions of critics. Firstly, at 52 years of age, he became the first Bangladeshi regional director in the history of this position. Saima, the first Bengali who took on the role of policy maker for the World Health Organization, not only for the World Health Organization but also for any United Nations agency. So, this is a matter of great pride.

Secondly, the acquisition of this position by Saima is undoubtedly an acknowledgment of her work. It is a recognition of her contribution. However, simultaneously, it is an achievement for Bangladesh. Nations voted to endorse her candidacy for the position in the World Health Organization. A candidate is chosen who is esteemed in her field and recognized internationally for her work. The Bangladesh government appropriately endorsed Saima for the position of Regional Director in the World Health Organization. There was no one more qualified from Bangladesh for this position than Saima.

Thirdly, those who have minimum knowledge about the World Health Organization and the United Nations system know that to be selected for such positions, one needs one's own intelligence, qualifications, and expertise. Being the Prime Minister's daughter is not a subject for consideration here. Over the past decade, Saima Wazed has been working in various fields of health for more than a considerable amount of time. However, her most significant area of work is mental health and autism. Saima has brought this sensitive health issue to the forefront both nationally and internationally. She has broken the silence and neglect of policymakers on this issue. Saima served as the Chairperson of the Bangladesh National Advisory Committee on Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Autism. She was an advisor on mental health and autism to the Director-General of the World Health Organization. In Bangladesh, she plays a crucial role in the implementation of the Neurodevelopmental Disability Protection Trust Act of 2013. Additionally, she has contributed significantly to the Mental Health Act of 2018, the National Mental Health Policy 2022, and the Mental Health Skills Curriculum 2020-2025. Saima has illuminated the path through her work, not merely as the Prime Minister's daughter but by her own efforts.

Why Saima's inauguration as WHO Regional Director is important for Bangladesh and why we should be proud of it. For Bangladesh, this achievement carries special significance for five reasons.

Firstly, in the global context, Bangladesh holds a significant position as a modern, developed, and progressive nation in this era of globalization. One notable benchmark is the presence and representation of its citizens on the international stage. Since the 1980s, Indians have systematically planned to actively engage in various international organizations, demonstrating a well-thought-out strategy. In the field of providing advanced education to the talented individuals, there has been encouragement and support. Indians have embraced a systematic plan known as "Brain Diplomacy" to ensure their participation in various international organizations, including the United Nations and global corporate giants. India has gained recognition as one of the largest democratic nations globally. The country is currently reaping the benefits of its skilled workforce. Indians hold prominent positions in nearly all international organizations, reflecting the success of their strategic approach. In the current era of globalization, institutions such as the World Bank, IMF (International Monetary Fund), and ADB (Asian Development Bank) are actively functioning under Indian leadership. As a result, India's influence has grown on the global stage. During this era of international engagement, India has effectively safeguarded its interests on various issues. However, the Father of the Nation had initiated efforts towards the creation of an independent and capable Bangladesh immediately after the attainment of independence. He had entered into agreements for scholarships with the former Soviet Union and Germany. He also sent numerous talented young doctors and lawyers to the United Kingdom for higher education. However, after August 15, 1975, investment in education comes to a halt. Bangladesh continues to lag behind, recognized globally as a country of unskilled laborers. Those engaged solely in manual labor face a difficult fate. Consequently, even after 52 years, Bangladesh lacks a presence in global policy-making. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a visionary leader, is walking the path shown by the Father of the Nation. She strives to provide advanced education to the meritorious and enhance their international exposure so that they can contribute to the nation's development. A significant achievement of these efforts is the election of Saima as the Regional Director of the World Health Organization. As a result, Bangladesh's prestige will rise globally.

Secondly, in the international arena, Saima's election and responsibility will play a crucial role in ensuring Bangladesh's self-interest security. The policies and decisions on global health determined by the World Health Organization will undoubtedly be observed by Saima in the context of securing Bangladesh's interests. In many areas, Bangladesh can excel.

Thirdly, the story of achievement in Bangladesh will now spread globally: For a long time, no one in Bangladesh has been at the policy-making level in the World Health Organization. Many success stories in Bangladesh were therefore somewhat unknown. The new research of BMRC, the success of community clinics, or the achievements in specialized health services were challenging to showcase internationally. But now, the world will easily learn about these success stories of Bangladesh for health. It will bring new dimensions and inspiration to our health sector.

"Fourthly, there will be an increase in international assistance in the health sector: Bangladesh has made significant progress in the field of health. However, there is still a long way to go. The demand for allocation in the health sector in Bangladesh is much lower compared to the achievements. To make Bangladesh's overall health system globally recognized, investment is necessary. However, this investment is not possible by the government alone, and international assistance is needed for this. Taking on this responsibility, Saima will assist Bangladesh in obtaining international aid.

Fifthly, talented youth will thrive: Saima's inauguration in a policy-making position at the World Health Organization will inspire millions of youth in Bangladesh. Saima will be their inspiration. The talented youth will find courage. I believe that on the path shown by Saima, many Bangladeshi youths will illuminate the international stage in the near future.