Dr Jameela Al Salman, a distinguished Bahraini physician and member of the Shura Council, has recently been appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to chair its Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (STAG-AMR). This group, comprised of 25 international experts, serves as the WHO’s chief advisory panel on antimicrobial resistance, providing guidance on global strategies and policies in this critical area of healthcare. Dr Al Salman’s new role holds great significance in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, a pressing health issue that requires a coordinated global effort to address effectively.
In her new position, Dr Al Salman is committed to advancing STAG-AMR’s objectives and promoting international collaboration. She recognizes the importance of this role in shaping global strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance, which poses a significant threat to public health worldwide. Dr Al Salman also highlighted Bahrain’s achievements in healthcare, especially its rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has received praise from the WHO and other countries. She expressed gratitude to the leadership of Bahrain, including His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, for their support in enhancing the country’s healthcare system.
Dr Al Salman’s appointment comes at a crucial time, as important meetings are scheduled in New York and Saudi Arabia later this year to generate key recommendations for addressing antimicrobial resistance on a global scale. These meetings are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping policies and strategies to combat this urgent health issue, underscoring the need for international cooperation and collaboration in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Dr Al Salman’s leadership in STAG-AMR will contribute to these efforts and help shape the global response to this growing threat to public health.
In addition to her role in STAG-AMR, Dr Al Salman is also recognized for her contributions to medicine and holds American Board certifications in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, and Infectious Diseases. Her expertise and experience in these areas make her well-suited to lead efforts to address antimicrobial resistance at the international level. Dr Al Salman’s dedication to advancing healthcare in Bahrain and globally, coupled with her extensive qualifications, position her as a key figure in the fight against antimicrobial resistance and other public health challenges.
Dr Al Salman also took the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa in advancing the roles of women in Bahrain and thanked His Excellency Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh for his support in enhancing the expertise of Shura Council members. These efforts to empower women and improve the skills of healthcare professionals in Bahrain are essential in strengthening the country’s healthcare system and its standing on the global stage. Dr Al Salman’s recognition of these contributions reflects her commitment to advancing healthcare in Bahrain and supporting initiatives that promote gender equality and professional development in the healthcare sector.
Overall, Dr Jameela Al Salman’s appointment to chair STAG-AMR marks a significant milestone in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance. Her leadership in this crucial area of public health, coupled with her extensive qualifications and experience, position her as a key figure in shaping global strategies and policies to address antimicrobial resistance. Dr Al Salman’s commitment to advancing healthcare in Bahrain and supporting international efforts to combat public health challenges underscores the importance of collaborative action in addressing pressing health issues on a global scale.