Addis Ababa, Ethiopia// — Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, Dr Mekdes Daba Feyssa, has been elected Chairperson of the 76th Session of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa (RC76), currently taking place in Addis Ababa.
Her election reflects the confidence of Member States in Ethiopia’s leadership and commitment to advancing health across the African Region. As Chairperson, Dr. Mekdes will guide discussions and decision-making among the 47 WHO African Region Member States on critical health priorities, including health financing, workforce development, universal health coverage, health security, and emergency preparedness.
Speaking on the importance of regional cooperation, Dr Mekdes emphasised that “Collective action among African countries is the foundation of health sovereignty,” underscoring the need for solidarity and mutual support to address the continent’s health challenges and strengthen resilient health systems.
Niger’s Minister of Public Health, Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi, was elected as the first Vice Chairperson while the Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora from Zimbabwe, was elected as second Vice Chairperson of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa.
The WHO Regional Committee for Africa is the organization’s decision-making body on health policy in the region and comprises health ministers or their representatives from all 47 Member States. Its functions include formulating regional policies and overseeing the work of the WHO Regional Office for Africa.
The session, hosted by Ethiopia, brings together health ministers, senior government officials, WHO leadership, and partners to shape the future of health in Africa and strengthen regional collaboration toward improved health outcomes for all.
