The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) is participating in the 75th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa, which opened on Monday 25 August 2025 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka in Zambia*._
The WAHO delegation, led by its Director General, Dr Melchior Athanase Aïssi, is taking part in this important meeting, which brings together health ministers, technical partners and intergovernmental institutions to discuss the continent’s major health priorities.
The official opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, as guest of honour. The session featured high-level interventions from:
1) Dr Elijah Muchima, Minister of Health of Zambia;
2) Dr Lousie Mapleh Kpoto, Minister of Health of Liberia and First Vice-Chairperson of the 74th Regional Committee;
3) Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC;
4) Mr Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (address delivered online);
5) Prof. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa;
6) Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General; and
7) H.E. Mr Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia, who delivered the keynote address.
Ahead of his speech, President Hichilema presented special awards to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Dr Jean Kaseya in recognition of their outstanding contributions to advancing health in Africa.
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