3 October 2024, Oman – World Health Organization Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy visited the Sultanate of Oman between 30 September–3 October, where she met with H.E. the Minister of Health Dr Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti and other senior officials and participated in the First Omani Healthy City Conference in Salalah, Dhofar Governorate. “My meeting with H.E. Dr Al Sabti marked a significant milestone in our joint efforts and reinforced our shared commitment to advancing public health. I am excited about the enhanced collaboration between Oman and WHO as we work together to improve health outcomes across the Region,” said Dr Balkhy. Accompanied by Regional Director of Programme Management Dr Adham Ismail Abdel Moneim and WHO Representative to Oman Dr Jean Jabbour, Dr Balkhy also met staff from the Royal Hospital, the National Diabetes and Endocrine Centre (NDEC) and UN representatives. After meeting with health care workers, Dr Balkhy commended the hospital on its commitment to patient safety and its involvement in the WHO Patient Safety Friendly Hospital Initiative. Discussions at the NDEC focused on the Centre’s preventive, curative and rehabilitative work on diabetes mellitus. During a visit to the University Medical City and a primary health care centre, Dr Balkhy praised frontline health care providers for their unstinting efforts to provide quality health care services to all. The delegation discussed strengthening collaborative efforts, including WHO support to help achieve the goals of Oman Vision 2040 which include strengthening universal health coverage through the provision of equitable and sustainable services. In addition to high-level meetings, the Regional Director inaugurated the First Omani Healthy City Conference which brought together experts and stakeholders from across the Region to share best practices, discuss innovative solutions and develop strategies to strengthen the Healthy City initiative. Dr Balkhy expressed her appreciation of their efforts which exemplify a whole-of-society approach to promoting and advocating for health, saying: "I am delighted with the outcomes of my visit to Oman. Its been a pleasure to witness firsthand the remarkable progress in health and the success of the Healthy City Conference which focused on advancing sustainable health city initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals." Dr Balkhy also visited Qayroon Hayriti Primary Health Centre where she met with health care workers and discussed the Centre’s role in providing essential health services to the local population and improving community health outcomes. The Centre itself is situated in mountainous terrain and provides an example of what can be achieved when facilities are made accessible to otherwise hard to reach populations. Closing her first day in Dhofar governorate, Dr Balkhy participated in a Walk the Talk: Health for All event. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity for health and well-being and encourage public participation in promoting healthier lifestyles. The event, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and WHO Oman, met with an overwhelming response from the local community, with residents of all ages turning out to show their support. On the second day, Dr Balkhy visited Sultan Qaboos Royal Hospital and Salalah Heart Centre where she engaged in discussions with patients and the health workforce, gaining insights into day-to-day operations. She was particularly impressed by the state-of-the-art Salalah Heart Centre, noting how improving health services at a governorate level boosts accessibility by reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized treatment. On the last leg of the mission, Dr Balkhy visited Awqad Primary Health Care Centre where she saw firsthand how digitalization of services is improving health outcomes. "This visit to Oman by the Regional Director reaffirms WHO’s commitment to supporting and collaborating with the Government and health authorities on a whole of a society approach to strengthening health services and addressing public health issues,” said Dr Jabbour. In her closing remarks to the First Omani Healthy City Conference in Salalah, Dr Balkhy said that the preceding days had “reinforced our strong partnership and shared commitment to achieving universal health coverage”. “As we navigate regional challenges,” she continued, “I am confident that our continued collaboration will further strengthen health systems and improve the well-being of all people, in Oman and across our Region.”