In a significant development, the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board formally appointed Saima Wazed as the new Regional Director for South-East Asia. In November last year, Wazed, the daughter of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, secured eight votes in a secret ballot, triumphing over Nepal's Shambhu Prasad Acharya, a top WHO official, who received only two votes.
Regarding her formal appointment, Wazed took to X and posted: "A short while ago I was formally appointed as the new Regional Director for @WHOSEARO. I undertake this responsibility with humility, and with a promise to work with a spirit of cooperation & partnership to implement my vision for our region."
The election took place during the 76th session of the Regional Committee for the South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) held in New Delhi and marked a crucial moment in assessing India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy.
Wazed, presently the chairperson of Bangladesh's National Advisory Committee on Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, is set to assume office on February 1, 2024, for a five-year term, with the possibility of reappointment.
The election process had political implications, given Wazed's familial connection to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister. The contest became a test for India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, and diplomatic sources told ABP LIVE that Nepal had concerns about receiving favourable support from India due to the close relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina.
Diplomatic channels were reportedly engaged by Nepal in an effort to secure votes for Acharya. However, Wazed received backing not only from India but also from the United States. Washington acknowledged Wazed's contributions to revamping public health regulations in Bangladesh.
As the WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, Wazed will play a pivotal role in shaping public health responses in a region that houses a quarter of the global population and bears 30 per cent of the global disease burden.
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