The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomes Dr Shible Sahbani as the new WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Libya. He assumed his official duties on19 August 2026.

Dr Sahbani takes up his assignment as Libya continues its efforts to strengthen its health system, advance universal health coverage and improve access to quality health services for all.

“I am honoured to assume my responsibilities as WHO Representative in Libya and look forward to working closely with the Ministry of Health, national health authorities, partners and communities across the country,” said Dr Sahbani. “Together, we will build on what has been done so far, and continue supporting Libya’s efforts to strengthen its health system, improve preparedness and ensure equitable access to quality health services for all.”

As WHO Representative, Dr Sahbani will lead WHO’s work in Libya and its collaboration with national health authorities and partners to advance the country’s health priorities, including strengthening primary health care, universal health coverage,health security and emergency preparedness and response.

Dr Sahbani brings more than two decades of experience in clinical practice, public health, humanitarian aid and development, with extensive expertise in technical, advisory, managerial and leadership roles across the United Nations system, non-governmental organizations and the Ministry of Health of Morocco.

Dr Sahbani served as WHO Representative in Sudan from March 2024. Before joining WHO, he spent a decade with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), where he held several senior positions, including Country Representative in the Central African Republic and Libya, Regional Reproductive Health Adviser in Egypt, Humanitarian Coordinator in Jordan, and Maternal Health Analyst in Morocco.