India In A Fix As Bangladesh PM's Daughter Faces Off Against Nepali Challenger For Regional WHO Director Post

A diplomatic contest has emerged between Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's daughter, Saima Wazed, a psychologist and adviser to the WHO chief on mental health and autism, and Nepal's leading public health specialist at the WHO, Shambhu Prasad Acharya, for the position of the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Southeast Asia Regional Director based in New Delhi.

The WHO South-East Asia Region, comprising 11 member countries, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and others, will vote during its 76th session from 30 October to 2 November in New Delhi to nominate the next Regional Director.

Diplomatic efforts have intensified as Bangladesh and Nepal governments propose their respective candidates, and India, as one of the votes in the 11-member grouping, is pivotal to the decision.

The incumbent Regional Director, Poonam Khetrapal Singh, is a former IAS officer.

Acharya highlighted his understanding of the ground-level needs in public health and cited his extensive experience as a manager, scientist, and public health officer in WHO.

Meanwhile, Saima Wazed emphasized her commitment to tailored, localized approaches for healthcare solutions.

The result of the election, expected to take place on Wednesday, will be submitted for appointment by the 154th session of the WHO Executive Board in January 2024 in Geneva.

This contest represents a significant diplomatic effort and strategic interest for both Bangladesh and Nepal, and the outcome may influence the region's public health leadership.