India has taken over as the chairman of the WHO executive board for three years; the election happened before COVID19
In less than an hour, Dr Harsh Vardhan, the health minister of India is all set to take over as the chairman of the executive board of the World Health Organisation. This was in the works and is not linked in any way to COVID19.
India was elected to the position last year, for a three year term; so that change of guard when Dr Harsh Vardhan takes over from Dr Hiroki Nakatani, adviser for international affairs to Japan’s Health Minister, is not linked in any way whatsoever to India’s management of the Novel Coronavirus Disease. The Board chairman’s post is held by rotation for one year by each of the WHO’s six regional groups: African Region, Region of the Americas, South-East Asia Region, European Region, Eastern Mediterranean Region, and Western Pacific Region.
The Executive Board is composed of 34 individuals technically qualified in the field of health. Member States are elected for three-year terms
The Executive Board is composed of 34 individuals technically qualified in the field of health, each one designated by a Member State elected to do so by the World Health Assembly. Member States are elected for three-year terms.
“I feel deeply honored to have the trust and faith of all of you. India, and my countrymen, too, feel privileged that this honor has been bestowed upon us. I will work to realize the collective vision of our organization, to build the collective capacity of all our Member nations and to build a heroic collective leadership,” Dr Harsh Vardhan said addressing the 147th WHO Executive Board session as its Chair. The session was held virtually.
WHO is already providing leadership to the entire world in the sphere of public health, engaging with partners for joint actions, shaping the research agenda and stimulating the dissemination of valuable knowledge. The need is to catalyze further change, he said.
Health is central to enhancing human capabilities. Protecting health of those without wealth should be the core philosophy of our close alliance at the WHO, Dr Harsh Vardhan said.
“I have known few greater honors than this one ! With this personal honour, I also feel a deep sense of personal responsibility. I may not get there, but I can surely try. And, I promise to try my best,“ he said.
The Board meets at least twice a year; the main meeting is normally in January, with a second shorter meeting in May, immediately after the Health Assembly. The main functions of the Executive Board are to give effect to the decisions and policies of the Health Assembly, to advise it and generally to facilitate its work
Dr Harsh Vardhan, a qualified ENT doctor and an old hand in Delhi BJP politics is currently in his second stint as the health minister of the country. As the health minister of Delhi, he is credited with piloting the pulse polio immunisation programme which was eventually expanded to the whole country.
