His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fahid, President of the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), extended his sincere congratulations to Her Excellency Jameela Mohammed Redha Salman, Member of the Shura Council and an Infectious Diseases Consultant at the University Medical Centre, on her recent appointment as Chair of the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (STAG-AMR) by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This advisory group is the principal body of the WHO addressing the critical issue of antibiotic resistance. Dr Al Salman’s selection as one of the distinguished global experts highlights her extensive experience, dedication and significant contributions to combating infectious diseases.

The President emphasised that Dr Al Salman’s appointment to this vital international role represents a remarkable national achievement, adding to the successes accomplished by Bahraini women. He commended her medical and research efforts, as well as her unwavering national contributions, which have played a prominent role in advancing the health system in the Kingdom of Bahrain. 

He further expressed his wishes for her continued success in enhancing the health system and for her fruitful collaboration with the WHO in developing policies and strategies aimed at improving health, medical and therapeutic services for patients.

It is noteworthy that the STAG-AMR plays a crucial role in providing guidance to the Director General of the WHO and the Antibiotic Resistance Division on comprehensive global policies and strategies to tackle the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance within the framework of human health, while considering relevant decisions and resolutions from the World Health Assembly.

In her response, Dr Al Salman underscored that chairing this esteemed international committee is a testament to the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of healthcare. She expressed her profound pride and appreciation for the exemplary support and attention afforded to the health sector and its personnel by the Wise Leadership of the Kingdom, which has facilitated the advancement of this vital sector. 

Additionally, Her Excellency conveyed her heartfelt 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 pivotal role of the Council in promoting the status of women across various fields of national endeavour, which has empowered Bahraini women to assume leadership and international roles.

Dr Al Salman also praised the health achievements accomplished by the Kingdom and reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to providing a sustainable and integrated health environment for all. She highlighted the Kingdom’s distinguished history of health excellence, including the comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which received commendation from the WHO and various global entities for its speed, initiative and allocation of necessary resources to address health challenges.

She further expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the WHO, under the esteemed leadership of Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, as well as to all members of the organisation. Dr Al Salman noted that this significant appointment contributes to the Kingdom’s growing list of achievements, affirming her commitment to collaboratively advance the group’s objectives and to produce essential decisions and recommendations that align with global health trends.

Furthermore, it is important to note that the STAG-AMR comprises 25 members who are leading experts in the field of infectious diseases from around the globe.