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The 79th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA79) commenced today in Geneva, Switzerland. Dr. Víctor Elías Atallah Lajam from the Dominican Republic was elected as the President of the Health Assembly. The Vice-Presidents elected are Dr. Mohamed Ali Al-Ghouj from Libya, Dr. Assa Badiallo Touré from Mali, Mrs. Katarzyna Drążek-Laskowska from Poland, Mrs. Neesha Mehta from Nepal, and Mr. Elias Kapavore from Papua New Guinea.
Dr. Timur Sultangaziyev of Kazakhstan and Dr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh of Ghana have been appointed as Chairs of Committee A and Committee B, respectively.
Opening Remarks
The event featured a high-level welcome speech by H.E. Elisabeth Baume‑Schneider, Federal Councillor of the Swiss Confederation, representing the host nation. H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, also addressed the assembly as a Special Guest of Honour.
Delegates were presented with video messages from H.E. António Guterres, United Nations Secretary‑General, H.E. Ahmad Al Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, and H.E. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados.
Recognitions and Awards
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), addressed the Assembly and conferred the Awards for Global Health to Dr. Tore Godal, Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis, Dr. Mike Ryan, and Dr. Heba El Sewedy, celebrating their outstanding contributions to global health and community well-being.
In conclusion, the afternoon session in the Plenary was addressed by the Special Guest, H.E. Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain.