Saudi Arabia nominates Hanan Balkhy for WHO Director-General

Saudi Arabia has nominated Professor Hanan Balkhy for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the 2027–2032 term. Balkhy, who currently serves as the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, has a career focused on infectious diseases, infection control, and antimicrobial resistance. Her professional background includes medical training in Saudi Arabia and specialized fellowship training in the United States.

Separately, Kenyan Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale met with Dr. Balkhy during the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa to discuss strengthening health cooperation between Kenya and Saudi Arabia. The discussions centered on healthcare financing, digital health systems, and health workforce mobility. Specifically, Kenya expressed interest in establishing structured training and return pathways for Kenyan nurses working in Saudi Arabia, as well as implementing digital claims management to support Kenya's Social Health Authority.