BRAZZAVILLE — Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, Liberia’s Minister of Health, has been elected as the first Vice President of the 74th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa. The election took place on Monday, August 26, 2024, marking a significant recognition of Dr. Kpoto’s contributions to health care in Africa. She will serve in this position for a one-year term, joining other newly elected officials, including Hon. Gilbert Mokoki, the Health Minister of the Republic of Congo, who will serve as the President of this session, and the Health Minister of Mauritius, who will act as the second Vice President.
This election occurred during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, a key annual gathering that serves as the continent’s premier health forum. Held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, the session brings together health ministers and government representatives from 47 countries across the WHO African Region. The forum provides a critical platform for these leaders to discuss health challenges, develop strategies to improve public health, and set regional health policies for the coming year.
Running from August 26 to 30, 2024, this session will focus on approving policies and adopting resolutions that will shape the WHO’s work in Africa over the next year. A significant agenda item includes the nomination and election of a new regional director to succeed Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, who has completed two five-year terms.
At the opening ceremony, President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo urged African nations to unite in support of the “Quality in Primary Health Care” initiative. He highlighted the critical role of health as an asset and called for continued commitment to combating communicable diseases, such as meningitis, cholera, Ebola, and mpox.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended member states for their dedication to enhancing emergency preparedness, strengthening primary health care, and engaging in pandemic negotiations. He also underscored the importance of sustained investment in public health, especially in light of ongoing mpox outbreaks.
The session also celebrated the substantial progress made under Dr. Moeti’s leadership, including the African region being declared free of wild poliovirus and the elimination of at least one neglected tropical disease in 19 African countries. This significant gathering saw nearly 1,000 participants, including WHO officials, health ministers, representatives from United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society, academia, and development partners, either attending in person or participating virtually.
