Bangladesh
Saima Wazed Saima Wazed nominated as Regional Director of WHO
Dhaka, Sept 5: The government has nominated Saima Wazed, Bangabandhu's granddaughter, as Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) South East Asia Region (SEARO). SEARO is one of six regional offices of the World Health Organization, composed of representatives of member countries.
In this context, Saima Wazed told the media, "I feel very honored that the Bangladesh government has nominated me as the Regional Director of World Health Organization (WHO) SERO."
If elected, she plans to work closely with member states to implement her vision in public health policy and practice in the region, she said.
"I believe in working in partnership and am keen to listen to the community and create lasting solutions that work on the ground," she said. "It has characterized my work to date and it is what I hope to bring to this role."
Saima Wazed Hossain, the daughter of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, graduated in psychology from Barry University in the United States in 1997 and received a master's degree in clinical psychology in 2002. In 2004, she obtained a specialist degree in school psychology. While studying at Barry University, she researched the development of women in Bangladesh. Her research work on this subject was recognized as the best scientific presentation by the Florida Academy of Science.
Saima Wazed has been working on autism and neurological disorders in children since 2008. She organized the first South Asian Conference on Autism in Dhaka in 2011. Since 2013, she has been working as an expert consultant on mental health at the World Health Organization. In recognition of which, she was awarded the WHO Excellence Award in 2014 by the World Organization.
