HRH Premier’s WHO honouring widely appreciated

Manama, May 24 (BNA): The declaration of the honouring of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a World Leader in the field of health has been widely appreciated at the Arab, regional and international levels. Ministers, diplomats and officials have unanimously agreed that his selection by the WHO as a global leader is an international recognition of his outstanding efforts in the health field. They expressed their appreciation for the remarkable initiatives presented by HRH Premier to promote the public health sector in Bahrain. In statements to Bahrain TV on the sidelines of the 72th session of the World Health Assembly, held in Geneva, they stressed that HRH Premier was named "a world leader in recognition of his development contributions, initiatives and achievements. They pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain has an integrated health system in the field of primary care and that the qualitative leaps made in this regard have made the Bahraini health services a role model in the region and a key destination for therapeutic tourism from various neighboring countries. Among those interviewed by Bahrain TV was Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Obaid Al Saidi, Oman’s Minister of Health, who said that the honouring of HRH the Prime Minister by the WHO as a world leader came in appreciation of his outstanding contributions and humanitarian initiatives in the field of health, adding that HRH Premier gave so much support, assistance and encouragement to the healthcare sector, which has enabled it to make qualitative leaps at the regional level. Dr. Al Saidi pointed out that the honoring of HRH Premier by the World Health Organisation is an extension of a series of honours and medals received from several international and Arab organisations in recognition of a great history of political and developmental achievements on his side. He said that all Arab and Islamic peoples are proud of his efforts in the health sector and health-related development projects. The Minister went on to say that due to the support of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, the health services sector in Bahrain has reached an advanced standard and recorded best rates according to international indicators compared to many countries of the Middle East. Egypt’s Health and Population Minister, Dr. Hala Zayed, said that the honouring of HRH Premier is an embodiment of the reality of development and prosperity witnessed by the health sector thanks to an advanced integrated health system that placed Bahrain in the ranks of developed countries and became a model to be followed in the region. She noted that the Council of Arab Ministers of Health expressed its delight and pride in the award received by HRH the Prime Minister as the first world leader to receive such an honour, which is of great international value in recognition of his political role and diligent efforts and leadership of the public health promotion aimed at achieving sustainable development goals. Tunisian Health Minister, Dr. Sonya bint Sheikh, said that the nomination as a global leader is a recognition by the international community of the pioneering role played by His Royal Highness and his contribution to the health sector. Pakistan’s Prime Minister's Special Adviser on Health Services, Dhafer Mirza, said that the honour is a source of pride for the Middle East region, noting that the health sector in the Middle East is in need for leaders like HRH the Prime Minister to achieve comprehensive health coverage for all. Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Al-Zind, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health in the United Arab Emirates, congratulated His Royal Highness the Prime Minister for the global recognition saying that Bahrain is worth such an honour as it has had a long record of development achievements over the years and has always been at the forefront. Dr. Al-Zind also congratulated the people and the Government of Bahrain on the great international honour that HRH the Prime Minister has received from the World Health Organisation. The Undersecretary of the Saudi Ministry of Health, Dr. Hani Abdul Aziz Jokhdar praised Bahrain's achievements in the health sector. He said it has made so great strides in the primary health care sector and has become an example to be followed for the countries of the region. Dr. Ahmed bin Salim Saif Al-Muntari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean region, said that he would like to congratulate the Prime Minister and the Kingdom of Bahrain on the outstanding success and honour of the World Health Organisation (WHO). “We wish the Government of Bahrain success in its steps to strengthen the health system in the country,” Dr. Al-Muntari said. Ambassador, Dr. Yusuf AbdulKarim Bucheeri, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva, said that the honouring ceremony was a remarkable day for the World Health Assembly at its 72nd session and its first edition of a high-profile award for leading personalities who have provided humanitarian, political and social initiatives worldwide. He said that HRH the Prime Minister comes on the top of a list of these leading global figures.