Kenya’s acting Ministry of Health Director-General, Patrick Amoth, on Wednesday, was appointed Chairperson of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board for one year.
Making the announcement during the 149th session of the WHO Executive Board, India’s Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Science & Tech, Earth Sciences Dr Harsh Vardhan remarked that the decision was reached after no objection was made on his nomination to the post.
“A deeply rewarding journey came to its conclusion today as I completed my tenure as Chair of 149th Session,” he said.
After the handover of the position, Vardhan will continue to be a member of the Executive Board until 2023.
Amoth has been elected to serve as the Vice President of the Executive Board of the World Health Organization in May 2020. On receiving the AstraZeneca jab at the country’s largest referral hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) he became the first person to receive the Covid-19 vaccine on Kenyan soil.
Amoth who was elected alongside four other Vice Presidents during a virtual meeting will represent the Africa region and serve for a period of two years.
He is a medical doctor and holds a Master of Medicine (MMed) degree in Obstetrics/Gynaecology from the University of Nairobi.
He previously served as chief medical specialist (obstetrics/gynaecology)/ Senior Deputy Director of Medical Services at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Nairobi.
WHO’s Executive Board comprises 34 members elected for three-year terms.
The Chair of the Executive Board is elected by its members on being nominated by the Regional Committees of the six WHO Regions, by rotation.
The main functions of the Board are to implement the decisions and policies of the Health Assembly and advice and facilitate its work.
The annual Board meeting is held in January when the members agree upon the agenda for the World Health Assembly and the resolutions to be considered by the Health Assembly.
