Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa has congratulated the Southern Governorate on being recognised as a ‘Healthy Governorate’ by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
He also praised its initiatives and development projects leading to the milestone, and expressed thanks to the Health Ministry for its partnership and role in accrediting all of Bahrain’s governorates as Healthy Governorates.
The minister lavished praise on the governorate as he received Southern Governor Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed, and WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy, on the occasion of the governorate being awarded the WHO’s accreditation certificate.
Gen Shaikh Rashid affirmed that accrediting the four governorates under the WHO Healthy Cities initiative is the result of the directives of His Majesty King Hamad, which aim to achieve sustainable development goals and improve the quality of life for all citizens. He commended the support and follow-up of the government, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Dr Al Sayyed said that accrediting the Southern Governorate as a Healthy Governorate represents a prominent national milestone added to Bahrain’s distinguished health achievements. “It reflects the vision of His Majesty and the directives of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.”
She thanked the Interior Ministry, the four governorates, and all government and community institutions for their joint efforts, which contributed to achieving this sustainable accomplishment.
The Healthy Cities programme provides an international framework to improve health, environmental, economic, and social aspects through effective partnerships between the Health Ministry, the governorates and relevant authorities.
The programme, which aims to raise community awareness, includes 80 criteria across several areas, including community organisation for health and development, inter-sectoral partnerships, water, food safety and health development, emergency preparedness, and others.
Supreme Council for Health (SCH) chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa said the WHO accreditation marks the completion of the accreditation of all four governorates in Bahrain, representing a significant national milestone in public health and sustainable development.
He said the achievement reflects the vision of His Majesty and the directives and follow-up of HRH Prince Salman to support national initiatives that enhance quality of life.
“The accreditation of the four governorates confirms the strength and integration of Bahrain’s health system and the effectiveness of initiatives based on sustainable community partnership, which have strengthened the kingdom’s regional and international standing in advancing innovative health practices.”
The SCH chairman noted that the council will continue to support initiatives aimed at developing healthier cities and communities, and to advance programmes that promote improved lifestyles in line with sustainable development goals and Bahrain’s public health priorities.
&uuid=(email))