Jeddah Strengthens Healthy City Efforts Aligned with WHO Standards

Jeddah Governorate is undergoing comprehensive annual evaluations to maintain its accreditation as a Healthy City by the World Health Organization (WHO), a status it achieved in late 2024, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The assessments are part of an ongoing effort led by the Jeddah Healthy City Program and its Environmental Sanitation Committee, which seeks to uphold the highest standards of environmental health and quality of life. These evaluations are not merely a formality; they represent a sustained commitment to continuous improvement and sustainable performance, ensuring that the city remains a model for healthy urban living in the region and beyond.

At the heart of this initiative is a pioneering digital transformation: the development of an integrated electronic database designed to collect reports from relevant committees and monitor compliance of targeted neighborhoods with WHO standards. This tool, spearheaded by the Jeddah Governorate Municipality, exemplifies how data-driven governance can enhance public health outcomes. As cities worldwide grapple with the challenges of rapid urbanization, Jeddah’s approach offers a blueprint for integrating technology into health and environmental management. But what does it truly take to sustain a WHO Healthy City designation, and why does it matter for the Kingdom’s future?

Context and Background

The WHO Healthy Cities program, launched in the 1980s, is a global movement that engages local governments in health development through a process of political commitment, institutional change, capacity-building, and innovative planning. Accreditation is granted to cities that demonstrate a comprehensive approach to health, encompassing environmental, social, and economic factors. Jeddah’s recognition at the end of 2024 was the culmination of years of concerted effort by Saudi authorities, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of enhancing quality of life and promoting sustainable development. The accreditation is not a one-time award; it requires periodic re-evaluation to ensure that cities maintain the standards that earned them the designation.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city and a major gateway to the Red Sea, has long been a hub of commerce, culture, and pilgrimage. With a population exceeding four million, it faces the typical challenges of a bustling metropolis: traffic congestion, air quality, waste management, and access to green spaces. The Healthy City program addresses these issues holistically, focusing on creating environments that support physical and mental well-being. The Environmental Sanitation Committee, under the Jeddah Healthy City Program, plays a critical role in this endeavor, overseeing everything from waste disposal to water quality and vector control. How does a city of Jeddah’s scale and complexity manage to meet WHO’s rigorous criteria year after year?

The answer lies in a combination of robust governance, community engagement, and technological innovation. Mohammed bin Obaid Al-Buqami, spokesperson for the Jeddah Governorate Municipality, explained that the annual evaluations are part of the ongoing efforts of the Environmental Sanitation Committee. He emphasized that a key municipal initiative supporting the program is the development of an integrated electronic database, a pioneering effort designed to collect reports from relevant committees and monitor the compliance of targeted neighborhoods with WHO standards. This approach ensures sustainable performance and promotes continuous improvement. By leveraging data, Jeddah can identify gaps, allocate resources efficiently, and track progress in real time.

Key Details of the Evaluation and Digital Database

The comprehensive annual evaluations involve a multi-stakeholder process. Various committees inspect neighborhoods, assess environmental health indicators, and compile reports on compliance with WHO standards. These standards cover a wide range of factors, including air and water quality, waste management, noise levels, road safety, and access to healthcare and recreational facilities. The integrated electronic database serves as a central repository for these reports, enabling authorities to analyze trends, pinpoint areas needing intervention, and measure the impact of interventions over time. According to Al-Buqami, this digital tool is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the region, reflecting Jeddah’s commitment to smart city solutions.

In addition to the technical aspects, the evaluation process emphasizes transparency and accountability. The database allows for better coordination among government agencies, including the Ministry of Health, the Jeddah Governorate Municipality, and other relevant bodies. It also facilitates communication with the public, as residents can access information about the health status of their neighborhoods and participate in improvement efforts. This participatory approach is essential for fostering a sense of ownership and ensuring that health initiatives are responsive to community needs. How can other cities learn from Jeddah’s integrated model?

To further showcase its achievements, the Jeddah Governorate Municipality, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, organized an exhibition titled “How Jeddah Became a Healthy City.” The event displayed the action plan and criteria that led to Jeddah’s accreditation, highlighting the active participation of the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The exhibition served as an educational platform, demonstrating the steps taken to improve environmental health and quality of life. It also celebrated the collective effort that made the accreditation possible, from government agencies to community volunteers. Such events are crucial for maintaining momentum and inspiring other cities in Saudi Arabia and the wider region to pursue similar paths.

International and Regional Impact

Jeddah’s accreditation as a WHO Healthy City carries significant implications for Saudi Arabia’s international standing. It reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to global health standards and sustainable development, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The recognition also enhances Jeddah’s profile as a destination for tourism and investment, as health and environmental quality are increasingly important factors for travelers and businesses. In a region where rapid urbanization poses health challenges, Jeddah’s success story offers a replicable model for other cities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and beyond.

Regionally, the initiative strengthens Saudi Arabia’s role as a leader in public health and urban innovation. The exchange of best practices among GCC countries can accelerate progress toward healthier cities across the Arabian Peninsula. Moreover, the digital database developed by Jeddah could be adapted by other municipalities, fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making. The WHO has praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts in this domain, noting that Jeddah’s approach exemplifies the kind of political commitment and community engagement that the Healthy Cities program aims to promote. What does this mean for the Kingdom’s broader ambitions in global health diplomacy?

Economic and Strategic Significance

From an economic perspective, a healthy city is a productive city. By reducing environmental health risks, Jeddah can lower healthcare costs, improve workforce productivity, and attract talent and investment. The integrated electronic database enhances operational efficiency, allowing authorities to target resources where they are most needed. This smart approach to urban management is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and improve the quality of life for all citizens and residents. The Healthy City program also supports the development of the tourism sector, as a clean, safe, and healthy environment is a key draw for visitors, particularly those traveling for religious pilgrimage or leisure.

Strategically, Jeddah’s role as a gateway to the Two Holy Mosques means that its health and environmental standards have a direct impact on the experience of millions of pilgrims. By ensuring that the city meets WHO standards, Saudi authorities are enhancing the pilgrimage journey and demonstrating their commitment to the well-being of guests. This aligns with the Vision 2030 goal of serving an increasing number of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims with excellence. Furthermore, the successful implementation of the Healthy City program showcases Saudi Arabia’s capacity to manage complex, multi-sectoral initiatives, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable partner in international health and development efforts. How does this contribute to the Kingdom’s soft power and global influence?

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Jeddah Healthy City initiative is a direct reflection of Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program, one of the Vision’s key realization programs. The Quality of Life Program aims to enhance the living standards of citizens and residents by creating vibrant, healthy, and sustainable environments. Jeddah’s accreditation and ongoing evaluations are tangible milestones in this journey. The program also supports other Vision 2030 objectives, such as increasing the contribution of non-oil sectors to the economy, promoting digital transformation, and fostering community participation. By integrating health into urban planning, Jeddah is setting a precedent for other Saudi cities, from Riyadh to NEOM, to follow.

Looking ahead, Jeddah’s commitment to continuous improvement ensures that it will remain at the forefront of healthy urban development. The annual evaluations and the integrated electronic database are not just about maintaining accreditation; they are about embedding a culture of health and sustainability into the fabric of the city. As Saudi Arabia continues its ambitious transformation, initiatives like this demonstrate how Vision 2030 is translating into real improvements in people’s lives. The Kingdom’s leadership in this area serves as an inspiration for the region and the world, proving that with vision, commitment, and innovation, cities can become healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous. What lessons can the world learn from Jeddah’s journey toward becoming a WHO Healthy City?

20 Questions

Q1. What is the WHO Healthy City accreditation that Jeddah received?

A1. The WHO Healthy City accreditation is a global recognition awarded to cities that meet rigorous standards in environmental health, quality of life, and sustainable urban development. Jeddah received this accreditation at the end of 2024, becoming a model for healthy urban living in the region.

Q2. Why does Jeddah undergo annual evaluations after receiving the accreditation?

A2. Annual evaluations ensure that Jeddah maintains the high standards required by the WHO. They are part of the ongoing efforts of the Environmental Sanitation Committee to promote continuous improvement and sustainable performance in environmental health and quality of life.

Q3. Who is Mohammed bin Obaid Al-Buqami and what did he say about the initiative?

A3. Mohammed bin Obaid Al-Buqami is the spokesperson for the Jeddah Governorate Municipality. He explained that the annual assessments are part of the Environmental Sanitation Committee’s work and highlighted the development of an integrated electronic database to monitor compliance with WHO standards.

Q4. What is the integrated electronic database and how does it help Jeddah?

A4. The integrated electronic database is a pioneering digital tool that collects reports from relevant committees and monitors neighborhood compliance with WHO standards. It ensures sustainable performance, enables data-driven decision-making, and promotes continuous improvement in environmental health.

Q5. What role does the Environmental Sanitation Committee play in the Healthy City program?

A5. The Environmental Sanitation Committee, under the Jeddah Healthy City Program, oversees the implementation of health and environmental standards. It conducts inspections, compiles reports, and coordinates with various stakeholders to ensure compliance with WHO criteria.

Q6. What was the purpose of the exhibition “How Jeddah Became a Healthy City”?

A6. The exhibition, organized by the Jeddah Governorate Municipality and the Ministry of Health, showcased the action plan and criteria that led to Jeddah’s accreditation. It highlighted the participation of the public, private, and non-profit sectors and educated the community about the city’s health achievements.

Q7. How does the Healthy City program align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A7. The program directly supports Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program by enhancing living standards, promoting sustainable development, and fostering community participation. It also contributes to economic diversification and digital transformation, key pillars of the Vision.

Q8. What are some of the WHO standards that Jeddah must meet?

A8. WHO standards cover air and water quality, waste management, noise levels, road safety, access to healthcare, and green spaces. Jeddah must demonstrate compliance across these areas to maintain its accreditation.

Q9. How does the electronic database improve transparency and accountability?

A9. The database centralizes reports and compliance data, allowing authorities to track progress and identify gaps. It facilitates coordination among agencies and provides the public with information about neighborhood health status, enhancing transparency and accountability.

Q10. What impact does the Healthy City status have on Jeddah’s tourism sector?

A10. A healthy environment attracts tourists, especially those traveling for pilgrimage or leisure. The accreditation signals that Jeddah is clean, safe, and well-managed, enhancing its appeal as a destination and supporting the growth of the tourism sector.

Q11. How does Jeddah’s initiative contribute to Saudi Arabia’s global health diplomacy?

A11. By meeting WHO standards and sharing best practices, Jeddah reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global health and sustainable development. It positions the Kingdom as a leader in urban health innovation and a reliable partner in international health efforts.

Q12. What are the economic benefits of maintaining a healthy city?

A12. Economic benefits include reduced healthcare costs, improved workforce productivity, and increased attractiveness to investors and skilled workers. A healthy city also supports tourism and enhances overall economic competitiveness.

Q13. How does the program address the needs of Jeddah’s large population?

A13. The program uses data-driven approaches to target resources efficiently. It engages communities, ensures compliance across neighborhoods, and focuses on creating healthy environments that benefit all residents, including the millions of pilgrims who visit annually.

Q14. What role do public, private, and non-profit sectors play in the Healthy City program?

A14. These sectors collaborate on initiatives ranging from infrastructure improvements to community health campaigns. Their active participation, highlighted in the exhibition, is essential for the program’s success and sustainability.

Q15. How can other cities in Saudi Arabia replicate Jeddah’s model?

A15. Other cities can adopt similar governance structures, invest in digital tools for monitoring, and engage stakeholders across sectors. The WHO Healthy Cities framework provides a flexible model that can be adapted to local contexts.

Q16. What is the significance of Jeddah’s accreditation for the wider region?

A16. It sets a benchmark for healthy urban development in the Gulf and Middle East. It encourages other cities to pursue WHO accreditation and fosters regional cooperation on public health and sustainability.

Q17. How does the annual evaluation process work?

A17. Committees inspect neighborhoods, collect data on health indicators, and compile reports. The integrated electronic database aggregates this information, allowing authorities to assess compliance, identify trends, and plan interventions.

Q18. What are the next steps for Jeddah after maintaining its accreditation?

A18. Jeddah will continue to refine its health and environmental strategies, leveraging the electronic database for continuous improvement. It will also share its experiences with other cities and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.

Q19. How does the Healthy City program support the pilgrimage experience?

A19. By ensuring high environmental health standards, the program enhances the well-being of pilgrims. Clean air, safe water, and efficient waste management contribute to a spiritually fulfilling and healthy pilgrimage journey.

Q20. What message does Jeddah’s success send to the international community?

A20. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global health standards. It shows that with vision and collaboration, cities can achieve remarkable improvements in quality of life and serve as models for others worldwide.