Proud moment for India! Health Min Dr Harsh Vardhan to occupy seat as Chairman at WHO Board

New Delhi, May 20: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, who is at the forefront in combating the coronavirus in India, is determined to be elected as the next Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on May 22 reported the officials.

 

 

 

The Minister will be replacing Japan's Dr. Hiroki Nakatani (Advisor for International Affairs to Japan's health minister) who is presently the Chairman of the WHO Executive Board. The executive board which consists of 34 members would be elected for three-year terms including the chairman. The Board meets at least twice a year and finalizes the decisions and policies of the Health Assembly and helps in facilitating its work.

 

 

However, it is to be noted that it will not be a full-time assignment. He will only chair the executive board meetings.

 

The 194-nation World Health Assembly on Tuesday decided on the proposal to appoint India’s nominee to the executive board. India was among 10 nations that were elected by the 73rd World Health Assembly to the Executive Board of the WHO.

 

"We, in India, undertook the COVID-19 challenge with the highest level of political commitment. Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, personally monitored the situation and ensured a pre-emptive, pro-active, and graded response, leaving no stones unturned to contain the deadly virus from spreading," the health minister had said.

 

"On our part, India is playing a key role in fostering bilateral and regional partnerships. Under our Prime Minister's able leadership, India has supplied essential medicines to 123 nations as an expression of solidarity," he added.

 

Following the election, Harsh Vardhan, who will continue in the executive board after the one-year term as chairman ends, will also have a say in shortlisting the next WHO director-general when Tedros Adhanom’s five-year-tenure ends in May 2021.