The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Manama a “Health City 2021”, the first capital city in the Middle East to have received such an honour, adding a new international achievement to the kingdom’s rich record of accomplishments.
The declaration was made during a virtual ceremony held by the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean on June, 15, BNA reports.
Health Minister, Faeqa bint Said Al-Saleh, Capital Governor, Shaikh Hesham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, and a number of Bahraini officials participated in the online ceremony.
On the occasion, Health Minister lauded the constant support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to the health sector, and the sound directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to intensify efforts that achieve the best for the citizens and residents, which, she said, led to naming Manama as the Health City 2021, adding to Bahrain’s achievements in the health and environmental fields, in addition to social and urban development.
Al-Saleh congratulated Capital Governor, Shaikh Hesham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, on the exploit which contributes to achieving most sustainable development goals and consolidating the kingdom’s international status.
The minister pointed out that Manama’s advanced health services and programmes have contributed to its adoption as the “Health City 2021”.
The Capital Governor dedicated the international achievement to HM King Hamad and HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister, noting that the exploit is the fruitful outcome of Bahrain’s investment in health infrastructure and urban development and keenness to improve the quality of life at all levels.
The governor paid tribute to Interior Minister, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, for his close follow-up and directives to consolidate the “health city” concept, contribute to improving the quality of life and focus on distinction in serving the citizens and residents.
He expressed thanks and appreciation to the Health Minister, the World Health Organisation, Regional Technical Officer for Community-Based Initiatives and Healthy Settings, Dr. Samar Al-Faqih, and the Health Cities’ Committee at the Capital Governorate, for their contributions to Manama’s achievement.
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, said that Manama is the second capital in the region to receive such a title, and the second city in Bahrain, after Umm Al-Hassam.
He lauded the interactive health, cultural, social, economic, environmental and community partnership programmes launched by the Capital Governorate.
He also asserted that Bahrain’s experience in combating the COVID-19 pandemic is among the most successful at the international level.
