The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has arrived in Bahrain to open a new WHO office in Manama, marking the kingdom’s close cooperation with the global health body throughout the pandemic, a media report said.

Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh, Bahrain’s Minister of Health welcomed Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at Bahrain International Airport, reported Bahrain News Agency (BNA).
 
“The visit of the WHO Director General (DG) is momentous given the current global pandemic. It reflects the DG’s commitment to Bahrain and his admiration for our efforts in combating Covid-19,” Al Saleh said.

“Dr Ghebreyesus has achieved notable successes both in fighting Covid-19 and more broadly in pursuing better global health. I am looking forward to exchanging knowledge and experience with the DG on how best to continue battling the global pandemic. ”
 
Upon arrival, Dr Ghebreyesus commented: “I am delighted and honoured to be in the Kingdom of Bahrain to open the WHO’s 152nd country office. I would like to thank His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, as well as the government and people of Bahrain, for their hospitality.”
 
Dr Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, accompanied by Dr. Ahmed Al Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, will visit Bahrain’s vaccination and testing centres where he will be briefed on measures taken by the Kingdom to protect the health of citizens and residents.

The Director-General will also have the opportunity to meet some of the frontline health workers who have collectively managed to vaccinate nearly 70% of the population.
 
“Bahrain has always been one of the pioneering countries in the Covid-19 global collaborative response. Bahrain implemented a comprehensive package of public health measures to control transmission in the country from the very start, before the first case was detected in-country. Bahrain's approach has been holistic, evaluating the social and economic impact of all health measures,” Dr Ghebreyesus said.

“Efforts have also been made to ensure full continuity of treatment for other health conditions. Bahrain has managed to vaccinate more than one million people with 2 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, ensuring that almost 70% of the population is now provided with an additional layer of protection against the virus. The vaccines were provided free of charge, regardless of citizenship status. Bahrain's approach has been fully in line with the WHO’s mandate for universal health coverage and the regional vision of 'Health for All by All'.”