Pakistan | News | Minister of Health, diplomats, heads of agencies in Pakistan pay tribute to the late Dr Mahmoud Fikri

Minister of Health, diplomats, heads of agencies in Pakistan pay tribute to the late Dr Mahmoud Fikri

Print PDF

MOHSRC20thumbPakistan’s Federal Minister for National Health Services Regulation and Coordination Ms Saira Afzal Tarar signs the book of condolences for the late Dr Mahmoud FikriFederal Minister for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Ms Saira Afzal Tarar, diplomats and heads of international organizations paid tribute to the late Dr Mahmoud Fikri, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, by signing a condolence book at the WHO country office in Pakistan.

Dr Fikri died of a heart attack on 17 October 2017 while en route to Uruguay to attend the global conference on noncommunicable diseases. During almost nine months since taking office in February 2017, Dr Fikri demonstrated commitment and dedication to furthering the mission of WHO, as well as his genuine interest in the wellbeing of his staff. He will be remembered for his determination to position WHO as a leading and respected health partner, his modesty, sense of humor, kindheartedness and compassion.

Dr Fikri was a great friend of Pakistan and demonstrated tremendous support for the country’s health programme. During his time in the office, he visited the country twice, first in February and most recently for the meeting of the Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean on 9-12 October. Ambassadors of Afghanistan, Argentina, Azerbaijan, China, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen, along with representatives of UN agencies, gathered at the WHO country office on Thursday 19 October to sign a condolence book accompanied by a recitation of the Holy Quran. Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Ms Saira Afzal Tarar signed the book on 25 October.

Obituary: Dr Mahmoud Fikri, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean

In memory of Dr Fikri