Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia continues to remain topper among the countries in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa region in the number of WHO-accredited Healthy Cities, which has now risen to 16. This achievement reflects the efforts of the Ministry of Health’s Healthy Cities Program and the Saudi Ministerial Committee for Health in All Policies as well as the integration among various government entities. These unified efforts have led to building sustainable healthy environments that enhance quality of life.

Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel said this progress embodies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to making human health the foundation of urban development and to strengthening the principle of prevention, in line with the Quality of Life Program and the Health Sector Transformation Program, two key initiatives under Vision 2030.

This approach, Al-Jalajel stated, aligns with the health system’s priorities of empowering individuals to take an active role in their own health, investing in technology and digital health to enhance system efficiency and sustainability, and improving overall public health and quality of life.

The Healthy Cities Program in Saudi Arabia represents the region’s first WHO Collaborating Centre for Healthy Cities and the fourth globally. The program works in partnership with government agencies to redefine the concept of health as a daily way of life. Through promoting healthy urban planning, encouraging community participation, and empowering residents to take initiative, cities have become environments that support both physical and mental well-being.

Achieving Healthy City accreditation requires meeting 80 international standards across nine main areas: community mobilization for health and development; inter-sectoral collaboration and partnerships; a community-based information center; skills development and capacity building; health development; urban environment (water, sanitation, food safety, and air pollution); emergency preparedness and response; education and literacy; and microcredit activities.