World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has congratulated Saima Wazed for her appointment as the regional director of the South-East Asia regional office.
“My warm congratulations to @drSaimaWazed on your appointment as Regional Director for @WHOSEARO. You have the confidence and trust of the member states of South East Asia and of the Executive Board,” he said in X, formally twitter.
“Saima, you are 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.
“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,” the WHO chief wrote.
The WHO executive board appointed three new Regional Directors including Saima Wazed, daughter of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The others were appointed for the Eastern Mediterranean, and Western Pacific Regions.
The WHO divided the world in six regions. The South-East Asia region has the largest population with over 2 billion. The 11 member countries are: Bangladesh, Bhutan, North Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste.
According to the WHO, Saima Wazed holds a bachelor's degree and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Barry University in Florida, US, and is a candidate for a doctorate in organizational leadership from Barry University.
She has served as advisor to the Director-General of WHO on Mental Health and Autism.
Previously, she was Chief Advisor on the National Mental Health Strategic Plan for the Government of Bangladesh, and Chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
She was also Associate Fellow in the Global Health Program at Chatham House, and Chairperson of the Shuchona Foundation in Bangladesh.
