As part of the Sultanate of Oman’s efforts to promote health, quality of life, and sustainable development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized Barka in South Al Batinah Governorate and Yanqul in Al Dhahirah Governorate as Healthy Cities, bringing the total number of internationally accredited Healthy Cities in the Sultanate of Oman to eight.
Barka is the first accredited Healthy City in South Al Batinah Governorate, while Yanqul is the first accredited Healthy City in Al Dhahirah Governorate. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the advancement of Oman’s Healthy Cities Program and strengthens Oman’s presence within the Healthy Cities network at both the regional and international levels.
The accreditation of the two wilayats followed the successful fulfillment of the World Health Organization’s requirements and standards through field assessment visits conducted by the WHO’s regional team, with the participation of a Ministry of Health team represented by the Health Promotion Department, Partnership and Community Initiatives Section. The visits included an assessment of initiatives and projects implemented across various areas related to health and sustainable development.
The assessment process focused on a number of areas that contribute to improving the health and quality of life of the population, including health, social, economic, and environmental aspects; empowering productive families; enhancing security and safety; and supporting air quality. It also covered community-based initiatives and sustainable development projects that demonstrate the tangible impact of community partnership on the ground.
This achievement reflects a model of cross-sectoral integration, with government institutions, executive offices, health committees, civil society organizations, charitable teams, and community members all contributing to the implementation of impactful initiatives and supporting the two wilayats in their efforts to meet Healthy City standards.
On this occasion, the Ministry of Health extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to Their Excellencies the Governors and Walis, members of the executive offices and health committees, as well as all institutions, entities, partners, and community members in the wilayats of Barka and Yanqul, in recognition of their dedicated efforts and effective cooperation, which contributed to achieving this international recognition.
This achievement reaffirms that a Healthy City is not merely an accreditation, but rather a sustainable, participatory approach that places people’s health and quality of life at the heart of development. It also reflects the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to continued investment in healthier and more sustainable communities, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.