Muscat – World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr Hanan Balkhy, concluded a four-day visit to Oman on Thursday, during which she met with key health officials, including H E Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, and participated in the First Omani Healthy Cities Conference in Salalah.

Dr Hanan expressed optimism about the growing collaboration between Oman and WHO. “My meeting with H E Dr Sabti marked a significant milestone in our joint efforts and reinforced our shared commitment to advancing public health. I am excited about the enhanced collaboration between Oman and WHO as we work together to improve health outcomes across the region.”

Accompanied by Dr Adham Ismail Abdel Moneim, the Regional Director of Programme Management, and Dr Jean Jabbour, WHO Representative to Oman, Dr Hanan visited key healthcare facilities, including the Royal Hospital and the National Diabetes and Endocrine Centre (NDEC).

She praised the Royal Hospital for its focus on patient safety and its involvement in the WHO Patient Safety Friendly Hospital Initiative. Discussions at the NDEC centred on its comprehensive approach to diabetes care, including prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

At the University Medical City and a primary healthcare centre, Dr Hanan acknowledged the dedication of frontline health workers.

“Their commitment to providing quality care is vital,” she said, adding that the discussions included WHO’s support for achieving the health goals of Oman Vision 2040, which focuses on strengthening universal health coverage through sustainable services.

Dr Hanan also inaugurated the first Omani Healthy Cities Conference in Salalah. The conference brought together experts from across the region to share their best practices and develop strategies to promote healthier cities.

Dr Hanan praised the initiative, saying it exemplified a ‘whole-of-society approach’ to health promotion. “The conference was a great success, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and advancing the Healthy City initiative,” she said.

During her visit to the Qayroon Hayriti Primary Health Centre, located in mountainous terrain, Dr Hanan commended the facility’s efforts to provide essential health services to hard-to-reach populations.

She also participated in the ‘Walk the Talk: Health for All’ event, a collaboration between Oman’s Ministry of Health and WHO, aimed at promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles. The event received strong community support, with residents of all ages taking part.

Dr Jean Jabbour emphasised the significance of Dr Hanan visit, stating that it reaffirmed WHO’s involvement with Oman in strengthening its health services.

In her closing remarks at the conference, Dr Hanan expressed optimism about the future of healthcare in Oman and the region. “Our partnership and shared commitment to universal health coverage will continue to strengthen health systems and improve the well-being of all people,” she said.