Dr Tedros to open WHO office in Bahrain, learn about Bahrain’s health sector

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Supremo of the World Health Organisation, arrives in Bahrain today, kick-starting a new phase in the development of Bahrain as a global centre for health research, practice and innovation in the battle against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

The WHO Director-General, who is in Bahrain for the official opening of the WHO office, will spend two days understanding Bahrain’s model in health care.

The official opening of the WHO office is scheduled for Monday, following which he will take a tour of the health care facilities in the Kingdom. Health Ministry, in a statement, said preparations are all set to welcome the WHO Director-General and the inauguration of the office, which would further strengthen the already strong ties with the organisation.

Dr Tasnim Atatrah, the WHO Representative and Head of Office in Bahrain, started her work at the new office earlier in June. Health Ministry said the WHO’s presence in the Kingdom would strengthen Bahrain’s health sector and pave the way for sharing Bahraini experience in the COVID-19 battle.

WHO had recently hailed Manama as “Healthy City 2021”, making it the first Middle East capital to earn the coveted distinction for creating an environment conducive to human well being.

Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, the regional director for WHO in the Eastern Mediterranean, will accompany Dr Tedros during the visit. While his stay in the Kingdom, Dr Tedros will tour the Kingdom’s COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccination centres, where he will learn about the measures taken by the Kingdom to protect the health of citizens and residents.

Press conference

The tour will give the Director-General a first-hand opportunity to understand Bahrain’s vaccination infrastructure, which has vaccinated over 70% of the population, a feat described by Dr Atatrah as a “momentous achievement.” He will also hold a press conference with Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh, the Minister of Health.

Last summer, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus lauded Bahrain’s virus strategy in a letter sent to Al Saleh commending the Kingdom’s holistic response to the pandemic and proactive efforts to establish testing and healthcare infrastructure.

Upon his arrival, Faeqa bint Saeed Al-Saleh, the Minister of Health, Dr Waleed Khalifa Al Manea, the Undersecretary at the Ministry of Health and Member of the National Medical Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and Dr Tasnim Atatrah will receive Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus.