A Pakistani-born doctor named Umair A Shah has been appointed as the secretary of health for the state of Washington in the United States (US). He will lead the coronavirus response, as the number of active cases surges in the region.

Dr. Umair Shah is an immigrant from Pakistan who grew up in Ohio. He is currently serving as an executive director and local health authority for Harris County Public Health (HCPH) in Texas. Umair graduated from Vanderbilt University and pursued a medical degree at the University of Toledo Health Science Centre.

He did master’s in public health with an emphasis in management and policy sciences from The University of Texas. Umar for the last seven years has managed HCPH, leading 700 public health staff in the nation’s third-largest country of 4.7 million residents.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee said in a statement, “Dr. Shah brings unrivalled expertise, knowledge, and passion for public health. Furthermore, he said His leadership will help us lead Washington State through the next crucial phase of this pandemic. He is uniquely suited to continue our nation-leading response.”

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The governor added, “Equity is incorporated and considered in every decision as he leads organizations to ensure the health and safety of everyone.

Dr. Shah said he was honoured to serve as the secretary of health. On the other hand, adding to the question, the number one priority for me is to work with the team to continue the fight against COVID-19. I will help Washingtonians through these challenging times.

Now, Dr. Shah reflected that the covid pandemic has highlighted the importance of public health and healthcare working together. Furthermore, saying that “I am confident my experience in both will serve the state of Washington well now during these difficult times, and into the future.”

“While I’m sad to leave Texas after so many years, all of us, my wife, our three kids, and our puppy (Koko) are excited to move to the Pacific Northwest.