Bahraini WHO official to speak at Women in Business Conference

Dr. Al Gasseer is currently the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Iraq, assuming the role of both Director General and Regional Director of WHO in Iraq.

Essentially, Dr. Al Gasseer’s work involves supporting the Iraqi government in implementing the National Health Strategy; she is also the UN Health Cluster Task Manager and consequently oversees coordination between all UN agencies involved in Iraq’s national health activities.

Dr. Al Gasseer has participated in numerous international and UN conferences related to health and development—particularly on nursing and women’s health.

She has received various national educational achievement awards, including: University of Illinois Alumni award for scholastic ability and active community participation, and the GCC Arab Health Ministers Council award for excellence in nursing.

Prior to assuming her post at the WHO in 2003, Dr. Al-Gasseer undertook several global consultations in the fields of nursing and women’s health—including working closely with the GCC for Minister’s of Health, during which time she was instrumental in regional nursing development.

She was also previously the Chairperson of the Nursing Division at the College of Health Sciences as well as the Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Development at the College of Health Sciences.

During this period Dr. Al-Gasseer was seconded to the Planning Unit at Bahrain’s Ministry of Health and was one of the five members who supported the development of the national health strategy.

Dr. Al-Gasseer is actively involved in civil society groups and frequently conducts health training workshops and seminars for nursery teachers, women, and the public.

Her involvement in the Women in Business Conference will aim to educate and inspire other women in the fields of nursing and women’s health, and spur them on towards achieving their goals par excellence.

The only symposium of its kind in Oman, the 2008 Women in Business Conference aims to inspire and motivate young women and professionals to excel in both their chosen careers and personal development.

It will recognise and promote the professional practices of women in business, and participants will enjoy world class seminars and workshops within a nurturing and positive environment.