The 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) commenced today in Geneva, Switzerland, with Dr Víctor Elías Atallah Lajam of the Dominican Republic being elected as its President.
The Vice-Presidents chosen are Dr Mohamed Ali Al-Ghouj from Libya, Dr Assa Badiallo Touré of Mali, Mrs Katarzyna Drążek-Laskowska representing Poland, Mrs Neesha Mehta from Nepal, and Mr Elias Kapavore of Papua New Guinea. Dr Timur Sultangaziyev of Kazakhstan and Dr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh from Ghana will serve as the Chairs of Committee A and Committee B, respectively.
In the high-level welcome segment, H.E. Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Federal Councillor of Switzerland, addressed the Assembly on behalf of the host nation. This was followed by remarks from H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, who served as the Special Guest of Honour.
Delegates also watched video messages from H.E. António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General; H.E. Ahmad Al Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic; and H.E. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the Assembly and subsequently presented the Global Health Awards to Dr Tore Godal, Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, Dr Mike Ryan, and Dr Heba El Sewedy. These awards acknowledged their lifelong achievements and outstanding contributions to enhancing global health and community well-being.
The Special Guest, H.E. Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain, addressed the Assembly at the close of the afternoon Plenary session.