Dr Harsh Vardhan assumes charge as WHO Executive Board chairman
Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan succeeded Japan’s Dr Hiroki Nakatani as the chairman of the World Health Organization’s 34- member Executive Board. He was unanimously elected by WHO’s South-East Asia group for a three-year term, last year.
I feel privileged to take charge as Chairman of the World Health Organisation's Executive Board at its 147th session held virtually.I believe that health is central to economic performance and to enhancing human capabilities.@WHO @PMOIndia @MEAIndia @MoHFW_INDIA #EB147 #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/pBn7LrE4Yh
— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) May 22, 2020
Battling against the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on the forefront, Dr Vardhan said, “I am aware I am entering this office at a time of global crisis on account of this pandemic. At a time, when we all understand that there will be many health challenges in the next 2 decades. All these challenges demand a shared response.”
“Today we have a mortality of 3 per cent only. In a country of 1.35 billion, there are only 0.1 million cases of COVID-19. The recovery rate is above 40 per cent and the doubling rate is 13 days,” the health minister added.
Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia congratulated Dr Harsh Vardhan and said, “Dr Vardhan has a rich experience in public health. He is the pioneer of India’s successful pulse polio programme and has been in the forefront in the fight against tobacco and many other issues. The world can now gain from his expertise and experience.”
Prominent personalities like the minister of textiles Smriti Zubin Irani, Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar, finance minister Nirmala Sitharamann, news anchor Deepak Chaurasia, etc. congratulated Dr Vardhan via Twitter.
Congratulations to @drharshvardhan ji on taking charge as @WHO Executive Board Chairman. He plays a vital role in transforming India's healthcare & has been at the forefront in our fight against COVID-19. His rich experience & insights will add value to the World Health Assembly.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) May 22, 2020
Hearty congratulations to Union Health Minister @drharshvardhan ji for taking charge as Chairman of @WHO Executive Board.
We are confident that with your expertise and experience you will fulfill the expectations of the world community.It is a proud moment for all of us! pic.twitter.com/pbP8EEhn3l
— Manohar Lal (@mlkhattar) May 22, 2020
Congratulations
Dr.Harsh Vardhan. https://t.co/HLV3T9Ks6X— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) May 22, 2020
विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन (WHO) के कार्यकारी बोर्ड के अध्यक्ष का कार्यभार संभालने पर केंद्रीय स्वास्थ्य एवं परिवार कल्याण मंत्री @drharshvardhan जी को हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएं।#HarshVardhan
— Deepak Chaurasia (@DChaurasia2312) May 22, 2020
Congratulations Minister @MoHFW_INDIA @drharshvardhan on your election as the new Chair of the @WHO Executive Board.
Thank you for your leadership and commitment to a healthier, safer world. pic.twitter.com/F54T0zdwZ2
— United Nations in India (@UNinIndia) May 22, 2020
“I feel deeply honoured to have the trust and faith of all of you. India and all my countrymen, too, feel privileged that this honour has been bestowed upon us,” Vardhan said after assuming the charge.
After assuming charge as Chairman of @WHO Executive Board, I said my country & I are deeply moved to have been bestowed with this honour.
I also paid homage to those hundreds of thousands who have lost their lives due to #COVIDー19@MoHFW_INDIA #EB147 @DrTedros @WHOSEARO pic.twitter.com/mEVgrk56YT
— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) May 22, 2020
The primary functions of the Executive Board are :
- To advice the Health Assembly.
- To give effect to the policies and decisions of the Heath Assembly.
- To facilitate the work of the Health Assembly.
The Executive Board meets twice a year in January and May after the Health Assembly. The members of the board are qualified health professionals designated by member-state elected to do so by the World Health Assembly.
