WHO Accreditations Expand Oman’s Healthy Cities Network
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially awarded the prestigious "Healthy City" designation to the Wilayats of Barka in South Al Batinah Governorate and Yanqul in Al Dhahirah Governorate. The international recognition marks the culmination of sustained cross-sectoral initiatives, community integration, and public health interventions aimed at establishing health-supportive environments. The latest accreditations bring the total number of internationally certified healthy cities across the Sultanate of Oman to eight.
First Accredited Healthy Cities in Respective Governorates
The WHO accreditations represent significant regional milestones for both South Al Batinah and Al Dhahirah governorates:
- Wilayat of Barka: Achieved status as the first officially accredited WHO "Healthy City" in South Al Batinah Governorate.
- Wilayat of Yanqul: Recognized as the first municipality to attain WHO "Healthy City" accreditation in Al Dhahirah Governorate.
- Expanded Network: Barka and Yanqul join existing Omani recognized cities, consolidating the nation's standing within the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region's Healthy Cities Network.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Verification Criteria
The designation followed rigorous field assessments conducted by a dedicated regional evaluation team from the World Health Organization alongside representatives from Oman's Ministry of Health. The assessment team evaluated local performance across key urban health indicators, including environmental cleanliness, primary health services, community participation, emergency preparedness, and inter-sectoral governance. Meeting the strict global criteria confirms that both Wilayats have embedded health considerations into local developmental policies.
Cross-Sectoral Synergy Driving Public Health Transformation
Attaining the designation was made possible through multi-stakeholder collaboration spanning government ministries, local executive offices, municipal health committees, civil society organizations, and local community members. By aligning local infrastructure projects with national public health standards, stakeholders created sustainable community spaces, improved environmental health controls, and expanded preventive healthcare coverage. The institutional alignment demonstrates effective public policy execution across local administrative levels.
Advancing Quality of Life Under Oman Vision 2040
Ultimately, the WHO’s recognition of Barka and Yanqul reinforces the Sultanate’s national strategy to foster sustainable, health-promoting communities aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Prioritizing urban health initiatives protects public health, enhances overall quality of life, and establishes replicable models for sustainable municipal development nationwide. As the national Healthy Cities Programme expands, Oman solidifies its leadership in integrated community health governance across the Middle East.
