Al-Ghat and Al-Zulfi are global healthy cities... Saudi Arabia leads the Middle East
In a move reflecting the rapid progress of the health and environmental sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, received certificates of accreditation for the governorates of Al-Ghat and Al-Zulfi as Healthy Cities, recognized by the World Health Organization. This recognition took place during His Highness's reception of His Excellency the Minister of Health, Mr. Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel, at his office in the Qasr Al-Hukm Palace on Wednesday, in the presence of several other officials.
His Highness the Prince of Riyadh praised this qualitative achievement, which adds to the record of the region and its governorates full of successes, noting the unlimited support that the wise leadership - may God support it - gives to the health sector, and its constant keenness to raise the efficiency of services provided to citizens and residents, in line with the ambitious goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The concept of healthy cities and sustainability standards
This accreditation is the culmination of diligent efforts that have enabled the governorates of Al-Ghat and Al-Zulfi to meet the stringent standards set by the World Health Organization. The concept of “healthy cities” is globally based on the principle of improving public health through collaborative efforts between government sectors and civil society. Accreditation extends beyond simply providing hospitals; it encompasses improving the physical and social environment, providing green spaces, managing waste sustainably, and promoting healthy lifestyles, thus making health a priority in all city development policies.
The Kingdom's regional leadership in the Eastern Mediterranean
For his part, Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel affirmed that the inclusion of Al-Ghat and Al-Zulfi in the list of Healthy Cities represents a firm commitment to making human health the primary driver of urban development. He noted that this achievement enhances the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's international standing, as the Kingdom currently leads the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa region in the number of accredited Healthy Cities, a number that has now risen to 16.
This record reflects the success of the Ministry of Health’s Healthy Cities program in implementing the concept of “health in all policies,” a strategic approach that aims to integrate health considerations into decision-making across various sectors, contributing to the creation of environments that support health and well-being.
Vision 2030 and enhancing quality of life
This achievement is closely linked to the Quality of Life Program, one of the key programs for realizing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to improve the lifestyle of individuals and families and build a society where its members enjoy a balanced way of life. Transforming Saudi cities into internationally accredited healthy cities contributes to promoting the principle of prevention over treatment, encourages community sports, and reduces environmental risks, ultimately leading to a vibrant and thriving society.
The reception and certificate presentation ceremony was attended by the Governor of Al-Ghat, Mansour bin Saad Al-Sudairi, and the Acting Governor of Al-Zulfi, Saleh bin Saif Al-Rafe’, who expressed their pride in this achievement, which came as a result of concerted efforts between government agencies and residents in the two governorates.
