Georgia has been elected to the World Health Organisation’s Executive Board at the 79th session of the World Health Assembly, the Ministry of Health announced.

According to the Ministry, Georgia will be represented on the Board by First Deputy Minister of Health, Irakli Sasania.

“The Executive Board is the highest governing body shaping global health policy. Membership grants the country a unique opportunity to participate directly in strategic decision-making at a worldwide level, in setting the international health agenda, and in managing global challenges, further strengthening Georgia’s authority and influence on the international stage,” the Ministry’s statement read.

First Deputy Minister Irakli Sasania noted that the Executive Board is the WHO’s principal governing body, responsible for setting the agenda and determining the direction of global policy. Georgia’s participation, he said, represents both significant international recognition and a profound responsibility.

“A secret ballot preceded the decision at the 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in Copenhagen, where representatives of the organisation’s 53 member states formally nominated Irakli Sasania as a candidate for the Executive Board, alongside the United Kingdom. The final confirmation of nominated candidates was then successfully concluded at the Assembly currently under way in Geneva, and the decision has come into force. During the preparatory stage leading up to Georgia’s nomination, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was actively involved alongside the Ministry of Health,” the statement confirmed.

The WHO Executive Board comprises 34 members, elected for three-year terms.

“The Board’s principal functions are to implement the decisions and policies of the Health Assembly, to provide guidance, and to manage the global health agenda. Georgia’s representation on this high-level platform marks an important step in strengthening the country’s role on the international stage,” the Ministry concluded.