WHO names Malaysia to executive board, Adham and Noor Hisham to represent

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has endorsed Malaysia and Japan as new executive board (EB) members for the 2021-2024 term.

Malaysia's membership will be led by Health Minister Dr Adham Baba and Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has been named an alternate member.

"The EB is composed of 34 individuals technically qualified in the field of health elected for three-year terms. Each individual is designated by a member state elected to do so by the World Health Assembly (WHA).

"The main functions of the EB are to give effect to the decisions and policies of the WHA, to advise it and generally facilitate the work of WHO," said Noor Hisham in making the announcement.

Malaysia and Japan are replacing China and Australia whose terms have ended.

Noor Hisham said the decision followed the 149th session of the WHO's EB which was held in conjunction with the recently concluded 74th session of the WHA.

"Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the meeting was held virtually with EB members joining in from across the globe.

"The meeting subsequently elected Dr Patrick Amoth (Kenya) as the new EB chair for the next one year," he added.

Noor Hisham said the annual EB meeting is normally held in January when members agree upon the agenda and resolutions to be considered for the next WHA.

"A second shorter meeting takes place in May/June, as a follow-up to a preceding WHA," he added.

Malaysia previously served as an EB member thrice, said Noor Hisham, and we will do our best for the Western Pacific region to support the regional vision.

"Apart from other global health agendas, Malaysia will also advocate for safe and affordable surgery as outlined in the Action Framework for Safe and Affordable Surgery in the Western Pacific Region (2021-2030) which was endorsed in 2020," he added.

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