Reflecting the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to enhancing its presence and active participation in global health affairs, and its contribution to supporting international efforts to develop pandemic preparedness and response systems, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced Oman's nomination for the position of Vice Chair of the Bureau of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on the WHO Pandemic Agreement. The nomination is represented by H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al-Mandhari, Ministry of Health’s Undersecretary for Health Planning and Regulation.
This nomination comes in light of H.E. Dr. Al-Mandhari's extensive experience in health governance, health regulation, and international health cooperation, alongside his active participation in WHO's work.
The nomination also falls within the framework of representing the Eastern Mediterranean Region in the IGWG, and participating in the continuation of its work and negotiations related to the drafting of the annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mandhari will participate in the ninth meeting of the working group, scheduled to be held at WHO headquarters in Geneva from November 9 to 13, 2026. The meeting will involve participation in relevant discussions and assuming the duties and responsibilities associated with the position of Vice-Chair.
The Sultanate of Oman has previously affirmed its unwavering support for the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, appreciating the intensive efforts made by the WHO and member states to reach international consensus on this agreement. This was highlighted during Oman's participation in the 79th World Health Assembly, held in Geneva in May 2026.
It is worth noting that the IGWG is a subdivision of the World Health Assembly, and was established by WHO Member States to develop key components of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, a landmark legal instrument adopted in May 2025 to strengthen global pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
The IGWG serves as platform for countries to collaboratively formulate the operational details of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, which reflects commitment to equity, transparency, and global solidarity in preparing for and responding to future health threats.