Ministry of Health Acting Director-General, Patrick Amoth, has been appointed as the World Health Organisation (WHO), Executive Board Chairperson.
The announcement was made, today, during the 149th Session of the WHO Executive Board by the Union’s Health Minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan.
In May last year, Dr. Amoth was elected Vice President of the Executive Board of the WHO, representing the African region for a two-year term. He expressed optimism as the Vice President, promising to endeavour to represent Kenya with dignity and honour
“My sincere gratitude also to MOH Kenya led by CS Mutahi Kagwe, for their confidence in me. I will endeavour to represent Kenya with dignity and honour, Asante (thank You),” Dr. Amoth said.
A consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist of immense repute, Patrick Amoth previously headed the Directorate of Public Health at the Ministry, where he spearheaded strategy development for effective delivery of health services in all the 47 counties in Kenya and was centrally involved in the inception and alignment of Universal Health Coverage for the country.
Dr. Amoth formerly headed the Department of Health Sector Coordination and Intergovernmental Affairs, an assignment that was preceded by his successful stint as a Chief Medical Specialist and Senior Deputy Director of Medical Services at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Nairobi.
Dr. Patrick Amoth is a graduate of the University of Nairobi’s Medical School and has a Masters in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the same university. He also holds a Diploma in Health Systems management from Galilee College in Israel.
The Executive Board is composed of 34 technically qualified members elected for three-year terms. The Annual Board meeting is held in January when the members agree upon the agenda for the World Health Assembly and the resolutions to be considered by the Health Assembly.
A second shorter meeting takes place in May, as a follow-up to the Health Assembly. The main functions of the Board are to implement the decisions and policies of the Health Assembly, advise and generally to facilitate its work.
By Alice Gworo
