Saima Wazed Resigns as WHO Southeast Asia Regional Director Amidst Investigation
Summary
Saima Wazed has resigned as WHO Southeast Asia Regional Director amid an investigation into allegations of financial irregularities and corruption in Bangladesh. The WHO says the matter is being handled under established procedures, while Nilesh Buddhi will serve as acting head until a new director is appointed.
Key Points
- Saima Wazed resigned from her post as WHO Southeast Asia Regional Director and submitted her resignation to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on September 9.
- She is under investigation in Bangladesh for corruption, fraud, forgery, and abuse of power, and the Anti-Corruption Commission filed a case against her in 2025.
- The WHO had placed her on unpaid leave in July 2025 after a regional committee recommended ending her appointment.
- Nilesh Buddhi has taken over as acting head until a new Regional Director is appointed.
