Manama, The World Health Organization (WHO) appointed Dr. Jameela Mohammed Redha Salman, Member of the Shura Council, as Chair of the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (STAG-AMR). The advisory group is the principal body within WHO addressing antimicrobial resistance. Dr. Salman was selected for this role in recognition of her extensive expertise and contributions to combating infectious diseases. The STAG-AMR group provides guidance to the WHO Director-General and the Antimicrobial Resistance Division on global policies and strategies to tackle antimicrobial resistance, particularly in the context of human health, while considering relevant World Health Assembly resolutions. On this occasion, Dr. Salman extended her congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, highlighting that this prestigious international appointment reflects Bahrain's ongoing efforts to enh ance healthcare quality. She expressed her pride in the strong support provided by the Kingdom's leadership, which has enabled the healthcare sector to thrive and achieve significant accomplishments both locally and internationally. Dr. Salman also conveyed her congratulations to Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), acknowledging the SCW's role in empowering Bahraini women to assume leadership positions at both national and international levels. She also appreciated the continuous support from Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, for fostering the expertise and contributions of council members, thereby advancing national development and enhancing Bahrain's humanitarian contributions globally. Dr. Salman commended Bahrain's health achievements, emphasising the Kingdom's commitment to providing a sustainable and integrated healthcare environment. She highlighted Bahrain's exemplary r esponse to the COVID-19 pandemic, which received international recognition, including from WHO, for its swift and effective measures. She expressed her appreciation to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, and all WHO members, affirming that her new role adds to Bahrain's track record of achievements. She pledged to collaborate with international partners to advance the objectives of the STAG-AMR and to contribute to global health initiatives. The STAG-AMR consists of 25 leading experts in infectious diseases from around the world. Antimicrobial resistance is a critical global challenge that requires coordinated multisectoral efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. The issue demands continuous international cooperation to mitigate its impact. Two high-level international meetings are scheduled for 2024: the first in New York in September and the second, the Fourth Ministerial Meeting, in Saudi Arabia in November. These meetings will gather global stakeholders to formulate necessa ry recommendations to address this pressing health challenge. Source: Bahrain News Agency