Omani to head WHO for the Eastern Mediterranean region

Muscat: Dr. Ahmed Salim Saif Al Mandhari, an Omani, has been elected as World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, the Ministry of Health announced.
WHO's Special Session of the Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, held in Geneva, had nominated Dr. Ahmed Salim Saif Al Mandhari.
Seven countries - Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Somalia, and Libya – including Oman competed for this position, but the Omani candidate won the highest votes.
H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al Saidi, Minister of Health, said this victory comes under the goals of the Sultanate's policy, under the leadership of His Majesty the Sultan and also brings an appreciation of the role of the Sultanate in the world arena.
Mandhari is expected to take up his appointment for a five years and eight months term, starting from 1 June, 2018.
The WHO Regional Committee comprises the following Members: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.