West African Health Organisation appoints Palokinam Pitche as new Director-General

The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has officially transitioned to new leadership. Professor Palokinam Pitche has assumed duty as the new Director-General in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

During a ceremony held at the ECOWAS Resident Representation, the organization honored outgoing Director-General Dr. Melchior Aissi following his four-year tenure. Dr. Aissi was recognized for his work in harmonizing regional health policies, malaria elimination, and strengthening technical platforms and community health across West Africa.

In his inaugural address, Professor Pitche pledged to consolidate the progress made under the previous administration. He stated that his leadership would align with ECOWAS priorities, focusing on the harmonization of health processes, improving access to quality medicines and vaccines, enhancing emergency preparedness, and supporting Member States in achieving universal health coverage.