RIYADH: The World Health Organization has appointed Dr. Hanan Balkhy from Saudi Arabia as its regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, following a vote among member states during the 70th session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, which is taking place in Cairo between Oct. 9 and 12.

This nomination reflects the excellence of Saudi competencies in the health field at the local and international levels, the Saudi Press Agency reported, and the efforts being made by the leadership of the Kingdom to empower women, in keeping with the aims of the Saudi Vision 2030 national development and diversification plan.