Cameroon has achieved a significant milestone in the global health sector by being voted to the position of Vice President of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board.
This was during a 155-member board session of the WHO held in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 3 and 4.
The Central African Nation was represented at the event by the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie.
The executive board is responsible for the decision-making of activities governing the World Health Organization.
It is made up of the Executive Council, which comprises 34 members, with seven from Africa. There include Cameroon, Comoros, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Senegal, Togo, and Zimbabwe. Each country stays there for three years upon selection.
According to the Dr Manaouda Malachie, Cameroon’s new position as Vice President is important for the country because it will influence global health priorities.
“Together, we must sustainably advance our dear and beautiful country Cameroon,” he said.
The main functions of the Board are to implement the decisions and policies of the Health Assembly and to advise and generally facilitate its work.
Cameroon relies so much on the World Health Organisation for some of its health policies. This position comes at a time when the country is implementing its Universal Health Coverage scheme, which has been in the pipeline for years.
Among issues plaguing the country’s health sector are lack of equipment, and infrastructure for medical staff.
However, Cameroon has demonstrated its commitment to addressing public health issues. Notably, it was the first African country to roll out the malaria vaccine, a move that was lauded by the WHO for its proactive approach to combating this endemic disease.
So with the country taking over the vice presidency of the board, it is hoped more can be active to boost healthcare in the country.
