Licensed School Psychologist
Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region
Former Chairperson of Shuchona Foundation
Former Instructor and Clinic Supervisor at Adrian Dominican School of Education (ADSOE)
Doctorate in Education (EdD) with Specialization in Human Resource Development, Adrian Dominican School of Education, Barry University, USA
Life & Work
2024
Appointed as WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia
- Delhi, India
Saima began a five-year term on 1 February 2024. She is the first from Bangladesh and the second woman Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia Region. She was nominated as the next Regional Director in a vote by the Regional Committee for the South-East Asia on 1 November 2023 in New Delhi, India.
Emphasising on her priorities, the new Regional Director said, “the first of these is a strong focus on mental health….a long-neglected area. It is time to turn the tide against the silent illnesses of mental health which impacts every aspect of the lives affected. I will work towards ensuring relative parity between physical and mental health in our healthcare systems.”
- Copenhagen, Denmark
Health ministers and high-level delegates from the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region, as well as representatives of partner organisations and civil society, met in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 29–31 October 2024 for the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC74).
Saima supported the side event covering A New Child and Adolescent Health and Wellbeing Strategy in the WHO European Region.
2024
2024
74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe
Joy Bangla Concert 2020
2020
2020
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
March 7 2020
The Joy Bangla Concert honors the spirit and bravery instilled across Bangladesh nearly fifty years ago by the Father of the Nation, through his landmark speech delivered on March 7, 1971. His powerful words rallied the people to gear up for the Liberation War, amid growing reports of military buildup by West Pakistan. March 17, 2020 also marked the birth centenary of Bangabandhu.
The concert included electrifying performances by metal and rock bands, powerful renditions of iconic patriotic songs, and a captivating holographic display of Bangabandhu’s historic March 7 speech. The event was organised by Young Bangla, a youth platform under the Centre for Research and Information (CRI). Saima discussed many of the issues around inclusion and rehabilitation services in the community.
Papers & Publications
Papers & Publications
Speaking
Speaking Engagements
Saima Wazed, a globally recognised public health expert and WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, is available for select speaking engagements focused on mental health, neurodevelopmental conditions, inclusive education, and public health policy.
Drawing on decades of advocacy, research, and leadership at the national and international levels, she offers unique insights into how evidence-based strategies can drive meaningful change in health systems and communities.
Her speaking engagements aim to inspire cross-sector collaboration, promote human rights-based approaches, and shape policy conversations for a more equitable future.
