Aseer: An assessment conducted by a delegation from the World Health Organization (WHO) during its visit to Aseer Region showed a high level of readiness in the cities of Abha, Tareeb, and Mahayel Aseer, in addition to King Khalid University. The delegation praised the level of institutional performance of the Healthy Cities and Quality of Life Program Office at Aseer Principality, describing it as an advanced national model in governance and cross-sectoral integration.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the assessment was part of a field visit by the delegation from December 14 to 22, accompanied by a team from the Ministry of Health, aimed at evaluating the readiness of healthy cities and boosting international partnerships. The delegation recorded positive impressions regarding the level of community participation, the integration of health with quality of life, and pride in local identity.
The delegation recommended continued support and empowerment of the Healthy Cities and Quality of Life Program Office and its staff as a national center of expertise, completion of the accreditation procedures for the cities included in the assessment, and building on developmental observations. It also called for generalizing the Aseer experience as a national model for implementing healthy city standards and enhancing sustainable partnership with the WHO in assessment, research, and capacity building.
The visit included implementing an intensive field program, during which health and community initiatives were reviewed, along with visits to government entities, municipalities, and health and educational facilities. The delegation also examined qualitative models of quality of life and community participation, reflecting the levels of readiness and integration observed across cities in Aseer Region.