Aseer: Aseer Region is set to host a World Health Organization (WHO) delegation this week to assess compliance with Healthy Cities and quality-of-life standards under the WHO Healthy Cities program. Aseer is seeking its first international accreditation under the program at the regional level with the assessment covering Abha city, the governorates of Muhayil Aseer and Tareeb, as well as the University City of King Khalid University.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the Healthy Cities initiative embodies a comprehensive concept of health that goes beyond medical care to include quality of life across all its dimensions. It is based on a set of more than 90 approved standards covering factors that affect human health physically, mentally, and socially.

The review in Aseer will include an examination of relevant policies and plans, on-site field visits, and an assessment of the level of compliance with Healthy Cities standards across various sectors. The Healthy Cities concept focuses on promoting public health and community development, improving quality of life, supporting education and literacy, enhancing environmental conditions and food safety, and strengthening community governance.

It also emphasizes capacity building and training; local economic development through microfinance; support for tourism, sports and competitive activities; arts and heritage; traveler readiness; and improved preparedness and response to emergencies. The Healthy Cities program is one of WHO’s globally recognized initiatives, under which the organization serves as the international reference body for setting standards and conducting field assessments of candidate cities.

WHO also verifies effective implementation and support sustainable improvement, leading to international accreditation for cities that apply the healthy city concept in an integrated manner.