Oman’s Barka, Yanqul Earn WHO Healthy City Accreditation

WHO Recognises Barka and Yanqul as Healthy Cities in Oman

Musca: The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the Wilayats of Barka in South Al Batinah Governorate and Yanqul in Al Dhahirah Governorate as Healthy Cities, bringing the number of internationally accredited Healthy Cities in the Sultanate of Oman to eight.

The accreditation marks the culmination of sustained institutional efforts and community participation to create supportive environments for health and improve quality of life, in line with Oman’s efforts to build healthier and more sustainable communities.

Barka is the first WHO-accredited Healthy City in South Al Batinah Governorate, while Yanqul is the first in Al Dhahirah Governorate. The achievement further advances Oman’s Healthy Cities Programme and strengthens its presence within the regional and international Healthy Cities network.

The accreditation followed the completion of WHO requirements and standards through field evaluation visits conducted by the organisation’s regional team, with the participation of a Ministry of Health team represented by the Department of Health Promotion’s Partnership and Community Initiatives Section.

The evaluation covered initiatives and projects implemented across various areas related to health and sustainable development.

The assessment focused on factors contributing to improved health and quality of life, including health, social, economic and environmental aspects, empowerment of productive families, security and safety, air quality, community initiatives and sustainable development projects.

The achievement reflects cooperation among government institutions, executive offices, health committees, civil society organisations, charitable teams and community members, who contributed to implementing initiatives and supporting the two wilayats in meeting Healthy City standards.

The accreditation highlights the Healthy Cities approach as a sustainable, participatory model that places human health and quality of life at the centre of development.

It also reflects Oman’s continued commitment to investing in healthier and more sustainable communities in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.