ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — The West African Health Organization (WAHO) has officially welcomed Professor Palokinam T. Pitche as its new Director General, while paying tribute to outgoing Director General
By Anthony Gray, contributing writer
Dr. Melchior Athanase J. C. Aissi following the completion of his four-year tenure.
The transition ceremony was held Wednesday, September 9 at the ECOWAS Resident Representation in Côte d’Ivoire, bringing together WAHO staff, representatives of the ECOWAS Resident Representation and the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).
Members of Dr. Aissi’s family and representatives of WAHO’s technical and financial partners also attended the ceremony. The event featured a documentary highlighting key achievements recorded during Dr. Aissi’s four-year leadership of WAHO, followed by remarks from both the outgoing and incoming Directors General and the Lead Representative of WAHO’s technical and financial partners.
Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Aissi highlighted progress in harmonizing regional health policies, strengthening community health systems and improving the quality of healthcare across West Africa.
He also pointed to efforts toward malaria elimination, the strengthening of technical platforms and increased support to ECOWAS Member States as some of the key areas of progress during his administration.
Dr. Aissi commended WAHO staff and its technical and financial partners for their contributions and urged them to provide continued support to Professor Pitche as he takes charge of the regional health institution.
Taking over the leadership of WAHO, Professor Pitche praised his predecessor for the work accomplished during his tenure and pledged to consolidate the gains made by the Organization.
Professor Pitche said his administration would align its priorities with the broader objectives of ECOWAS, with particular emphasis on harmonizing regional health policies and processes.
He also identified the strengthening of basic health services, improved access to quality medicines and vaccines, preparedness and response to health emergencies, and support for Member States in advancing universal health coverage as key priorities.
The formal transition was completed with the signing of the official record of assumption of duty in Abidjan, marking Professor Pitche’s formal assumption of office as WAHO Director General.
The ceremony also recognized Dr. Aissi and his wife with certificates and farewell gifts in appreciation of his service to the Organisation. His Executive Assistant, Dr. Félix Agbla, was also presented with a token of recognition for his support during Dr. Aissi’s tenure.
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