By Nafisat Makinde
In a significant development for global health leadership, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Health Emergencies Programme.
The appointment was met with enthusiasm from Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, who congratulated Dr. Ihekweazu on this prestigious role.
“Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu is an exceptional leader and a loyal team player,” Professor Pate said. “I am confident that his tenure will further strengthen global health security and emergency preparedness. His visionary leadership, experience, and unwavering dedication to public health will serve the world well.”
With his extensive expertise in global health security and epidemic intelligence, Dr. Ihekweazu succeeds Dr. Mike Ryan at a critical time when the world is grappling with pandemics, climate-related health threats, and fragile health systems.
Professor Pate described the appointment as “the right choice at the right time,” emphasizing that Dr. Ihekweazu’s leadership will be instrumental in navigating these challenges.
“The world is changing rapidly, and the future of global health depends on bold, trusted, and compassionate leadership,” Professor Pate added. “Dr. Ihekweazu embodies all of this—and more. The WHO has made an excellent choice.”
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has expressed its full support for Dr. Ihekweazu as he assumes this vital global role, celebrating this milestone as a proud moment for Nigeria.
