Saima Wazed Elected WHO South-East Asia Regional Director

Saima Wazed has been elected as the new Regional Director for the World Health Organization's (WHO) South-East Asia region, which comprises 11 member countries. She defeated Nepal's candidate Mr. Shambhu Acharya in the election held this week. The newly appointed regional director will take office on February 1, 2024, for a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once.

Ms Wazed, daughter of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, overcame criticism of alleged nepotism and lobbying by her mother to secure the influential post. Media reports indicated that the Bangladeshi Prime Minister intensified efforts to influence member countries like India to vote for her daughter.

In contrast, some in Nepal's civil society argued their government did not do enough to back Mr. Acharya, despite his strong credentials as a WHO veteran. However, Nepali officials refuted allegations that they failed to lobby intensely for their candidate. "We made a strong push for Acharya from the highest levels," said a Nepali Foreign Ministry official, adding they did their best.

In the closed voting held during the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia this week, Ms Wazed garnered eight out of ten votes cast. Myanmar did not participate while Mr. Acharya received just two votes.

Saima Wazed expressed gratitude on social media after being elected the next Regional Director for the World Health Organization's South-East Asia office. In a post, Ms. Wazed thanked the WHO Member States of the region for selecting her for the position. She paid tribute to outgoing Regional Director Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh for her decade of public health service in the region. Ms. Wazed also offered a special tribute to her election opponent Dr. Shambhu Acharya of Nepal. She acknowledged his long and distinguished WHO career, calling him an invaluable asset. She expressed hope that the region will continue benefiting from Dr. Acharya's knowledge and experience going forward. In closing, Ms. Wazed conveyed eagerness to collaborate with member countries on building a healthier South-East Asia in her new leadership role. The social media post struck a tone of humility, grace and readiness to serve as she prepares to take office as the next WHO Regional Director.

Nepali authorities acknowledged Bangladesh's intention to field Ms Wazed a year in advance. Though disappointed, they said it was a friendly contest and would fully cooperate with the new Regional Director.

Some Nepali public health experts alleged their government could have done more to secure Mr Acharya's victory. However, officials stated Nepal had put forward its best candidate and lobbied member states extensively.

Ms. Wazed's election as WHO's South-East Asia Regional Director is seen by some as an outcome of intense lobbying by Bangladesh rather than credentials alone. Nepal sees it as a missed opportunity but has accepted the result graciously.