India has recently been in the news for its election to the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Executive Board. This important development came about after a proposal to appoint India’s nominee to the board was signed by representatives of 194 nations at the 73rd World Health Assembly, which took place between 18-19 May, 2020. Additionally, India will also be holding the chairmanship of the Executive Board for one year, from May 2020 to May 2021, succeeding Japan in this role.
Decisions and Policies Behind the Election
The decision to elect India to the WHO Executive Board was not taken lightly. In fact, it was unanimously decided by WHO’s South-East Asia group, back in 2019, that India would be elected to the board for a three-year term beginning in May 2020. WHO Member States are grouped into six WHO regions, namely, the African Region, Region of the Americas, South-East Asia Region, European Region, Eastern Mediterranean Region, and Western Pacific Region. Each region played a role in deciding upon India’s election.
The Other Members of the Board
Along with India, 10 other countries were elected to the WHO Executive Board. These countries include Botswana, Colombia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Oman, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
Composition and Functions of the WHO Executive Board
The WHO Executive Board is made up of 34 individuals who are all technically qualified in the field of health. Each of these individuals is designated by a member state elected by the World Health Assembly to join the board, and they are then elected for three-year terms.
The chairman of the board serves a one-year term and rotates among different regional groups. While the role is not a full-time assignment, the chairman is required to chair the Executive Board’s meetings.
The Executive Board meets at least twice a year and its main function is to enact the decisions and policies of the World Health Assembly, provide advice to it, and generally facilitate its work.
About the World Health Assembly
The World Health Assembly is WHO’s decision-making body and includes delegations from all WHO Member States. Its focus is on specific health agendas set by the Executive Board.
The assembly’s main tasks include determining the policies of the Organization, appointing the Director-General, supervising financial policies, and reviewing and approving the proposed programme budget. It is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland.
With India’s election to the WHO Executive Board, it is expected that the nation will play a significant role in shaping global health policies and decisions in the coming years. This development highlights the recognition of India’s growing influence and leadership in the field of global health.
