Riyadh:Saudi Arabia has taken the lead in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa region with 21 cities accredited as healthy cities by the World Health Organization (WHO), coinciding with World Cities Day observed annually on October 31. This accomplishment aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, emphasizing a vibrant society enjoying healthy, sustainable lives. Notably, the list includes Jeddah and Madinah, the Middle East's two largest healthy cities, each with populations exceeding one million.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the accreditation reflects Saudi Arabia's comprehensive approach to developing healthy and sustainable urban environments. The country meets 80 international standards across nine key areas, including community empowerment, intersectoral cooperation, skills development, health services, urban environment, emergency preparedness, education, and support for small projects.
The cities recognized under this initiative are Jeddah, Al-Khobar, Hail, Tabuk, Madinah, Unaizah, Al-Jumum, Diriyah, Taif, Jalajil, Al-Ghat, Al-Zulfi, Riyadh Al-Khubara, Sharurah, Al-Aridhah, Al-Mandaq, Abha, Muhayil Aseer, Tarib, King Khalid University, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
This achievement underscores the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Health, the Ministerial Committee for Health in All Policies, and various government entities. The national strategy integrates health into development policies, making the concept of healthy cities a shared responsibility involving urban planning, education, environment, and community services.
The Ministry of Health's Healthy Cities Program holds the distinction of being the first WHO collaborating center in the region and the fourth globally. This highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to embedding health and quality of life into sustainable urban development.