Lebanese professor joins WHO as technical advisor

A Lebanese academic is taking her expertise global. Dr. Maha Hoteit, professor and researcher at the Faculty of Public Health at the Lebanese University, has been appointed Technical Advisor at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, one of only twenty experts worldwide selected for the role over the next three years.

Dr. Hattit specializes in nutrition, food security, and sustainable food systems, fields increasingly central to global health policy. In her advisory role at WHO, she will focus on the environmental sustainability of animal-source foods, an area that intersects public health, climate concerns, and global nutrition strategies. Her appointment not only recognizes her personal accomplishments but also reflects the growing influence of Lebanese researchers on international scientific and policy platforms.

A track record of research and impact

The Faculty of Public Health at the Lebanese University has been a key player in regional and global research, with over 100 studies and projects spanning nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and public health policy. Dr. Hattit’s contributions build on this legacy, highlighting Lebanon’s capacity to produce research that informs both national programs and international decision-making.

Lebanese expertise on the world stage

In a country facing economic, social, and institutional challenges, appointments like Dr. Hattit’s carry symbolic and practical weight. They demonstrate that, despite local constraints, Lebanese scholars continue to shape global discourse in critical fields such as health and sustainability.

Her work at WHO comes at a time when sustainable food systems are at the forefront of global policy discussions, from climate change mitigation to addressing malnutrition. By contributing Lebanese insight and research to these discussions, Dr. Hattit helps ensure that regional perspectives are included in shaping international health strategies.

Over the next three years, Dr. Hattit’s role will involve advising on policies that affect nutrition, agriculture, and environmental sustainability worldwide, a rare and high-profile platform for a Lebanese scientist. Her appointment is a milestone not just for her career but for the broader Lebanese scientific community, highlighting how research from the country can have a tangible impact on global health.