Important Facts of the News
- Saudi Arabia has 16 WHO-accredited Healthy Cities, the highest in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa.
- The Ministry of Health’s Healthy Cities Program plays a key role in the achievement.
- The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 programs: Quality of Life and Health Sector Transformation.
- The program is the region’s first WHO Collaborating Centre for Healthy Cities, fourth globally.
- To receive accreditation, cities must fulfill 80 standards across nine major categories.
Saudi Arabia’s Leadership in Promoting Urban Health
Saudi Arabia has emerged as a frontrunner in fostering healthier urban environments, now boasting 16 cities accredited by the World Health Organization as Healthy Cities. This leading position in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa is a result of coordinated efforts led by the Ministry of Health’s Healthy Cities Program along with the Ministerial Committee for Health in All Policies.
Vision 2030 at the Core of Healthy City Development
Health Minister Fahad AlJalajel credited this growth to the country’s vision of embedding health at the heart of urban planning. He highlighted that this progress aligns with Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program and Health Sector Transformation Program, both of which prioritize preventive care and a healthier society.
Empowering Communities for Better Living
With a focus on placing individuals at the center of their well-being, the initiative incorporates digital health, technology-led solutions, and community engagement. This encourages residents to take ownership of their health while living in environments designed to uplift both physical and mental wellness.
Healthy Cities Program: A Regional and Global Milestone
Saudi Arabia’s Healthy Cities initiative is the first WHO Collaborating Centre in the Eastern Mediterranean region and only the fourth globally. The program collaborates with various sectors to integrate health into daily life through improved urban planning, enhanced public facilities, and support for local initiatives.
Global Standards in Urban Health
Cities applying for Healthy City recognition must meet international criteria spanning nine essential domains of public health and infrastructure, including community involvement, urban development, emergency response, education, environmental safety, and microfinance for health-related activities.
These achievements mirror Saudi Arabia’s sustained investment in public health and its ambition to promote cities that not only meet WHO standards but set a regional benchmark for urban living.