11 August 2025, Manama, Bahrain – World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy has completed her first official visit – from 4 to 6 August 2025 – to the Kingdom of Bahrain. The visit reaffirmed the longstanding strategic partnership between WHO and the Government of Bahrain, highlighted Bahrain’s progress in advancing national and regional health priorities and set out a clear roadmap for enhanced cooperation in the years ahead. Dr Balkhy met with national health leaders, including Chairman of the Supreme Council for Health Lieutenant General Dr Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa and Minister of Health Dr Jaleela bint Al-Sayed Jawad Hassan. They reviewed Bahrain’s health sector achievements and identified specific areas for future collaboration, with a focus on