Riyadh: The Kingdom continues to strengthen its leadership among Eastern Mediterranean and North African countries in the number of World Health Organization-accredited healthy cities, with the total reaching 21. This achievement highlights Saudi Arabia's pioneering efforts to develop sustainable cities that place human health and quality of life at the heart of urban development.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the Kingdom's achievement of 21 healthy cities marks a significant step forward in creating urban environments that promote prevention and physical and mental well-being. The progress is driven by community empowerment, the development of health services, strengthened emergency preparedness, and improvements to the urban environment, further reinforcing Saudi Arabia's position as a leading international model in the field.

The Ministry of Health's Healthy Cities program is the first WHO collaborating center in the region and the fourth globally. Through collaboration with government entities, the program expands the concept of health beyond services delivered in healthcare facilities to an integrated approach that encompasses planning, education, the environment, and various aspects of daily life, thereby improving quality of life and fostering healthier, more sustainable communities.