Saima Wazed Hossain, chairperson of Bangladesh National Advisory Committee for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, has been made the goodwill ambassador of the World Health Organization (WHO) for autism in the South-East Asia region.

Terming Saima a globally renowned champion for the cause of autism spectrum disorder, WHO in a statement made the announcement yesterday. She will be the goodwill ambassador for a two-year term.

Saima's passionate and persistent efforts for addressing autism are commendable, said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, regional director for WHO South-East Asia, while announcing the decision.

Saima, daughter of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was designated as WHO Regional Champion for autism in May 2016.