From 2 to 7 February 2026, health ministers, technical experts and global health leaders gather in Geneva, Switzerland, for the 158th session of the WHO Executive Board. Dr. Manaouda Malachie, Minister of Public Health, is taking an active role in his capacity as Third Vice-Chair of the Executive Board, carrying the voice of the 47 countries of the WHO African Region.

At a time of major health challenges ; from the rise of non communicable diseases to antimicrobial resistance and the persistent threat of infectious outbreaks, the Executive Board serves as a vital forum for shaping global responses and ensuring that the World Health Organization (WHO) policies reflect the needs of large and small countries.

A packed agenda under the global programme work

The week long -session covers a broad range of topics under WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14), which aims to promote health, provide care, protect against health threats and power health systems.

Several topics constitute the main agenda items under this discussion : reports from WHO leadership and governance bodies, including analyses from regional commitees and budgetary performance. Non communicable diseases and the follow-up to global commitments for prevention and control. Mental health with a special focus on global wellbeing and strategies for improved public support. Communicable diseases, including progress on the Immunization Agenda of 2030, the road map for neglected tropical diseases as a health equity issue. Also, during the discussion, emphasis will be laid on health emergencies, preparedness and response, a standing priority given recent experiences with pandemic outbreaks.

In addition, the board will consider recommendations on emerging issues such as antimicrobial resistance, global health security and sustainable financing for health systems, topics that directly affect countries’ ability to deliver care.

Cameroon’s presence and strategic interest

Cameroon’s participation in the Executive Board which is represented by the Minister of Public Health, MANAOUDA Malachie, is particularly significant. As an elected member, the country is not only  present as an observer but as an active contributor to decision-making at the highest level of global health governance. This position offers Cameroon a platform to raise issues to resonate strongly with African realities, including the burden of infectious diseases, maternal and child health challenges, and the need for stronger, more resilient health systems.

By taking part in the Geneva discussions, Cameroon also reinforces its role in health diplomacy. The Executive Board provides opportunities for direct engagement with WHO leadership and partner countries, enabling Cameroon to advocate for equitable access to vaccines, medecines and health financing, while also seeking technical and strategic partnerships that can support national health priorities.

At the domestic level, participation in the Board allows Cameroonian health authorities to align national policy  with evolving global standards. The exchanges in Geneva can inform reforms at home, whether in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness or the expansion of primary health care services, helping to ensure that national strategies are consistent with international best practices.

The Executive Board’s discussion will help shape the 79th  World Health Assembly in May 2026, where member states will take final decisions on strategies that can affect billion of peoples worldwide.

For Cameroon, and for other member states, participation is both a responsibility and an opportunity : to influence global health governance and to ensure that international frameworks reflect the real health needs of populations accross Africa and beyond.

Dr. Manaouda Malachie, immediately after his arrival at Geneva yesterday, took part in a high-level bilateral meeting with the Regional Director of the WHO for Europe, Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, at the Mariott Hotel in Geneva. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 158th session of the WHO Executive Board.

 Ornéla ZANGA

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« Cameroon intends to take its part fully, and to play an active role in the proceedings, as instructed by the President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul Biya »

Dr. Manaouda Malachie, Minister of Public Health.

« We are here at the opening of the proceedings of the 158th session of the WHO Executive Board. I would first say that these discussions are quite delicate beacause, in truth, we are debating the evolution of the global health architecture.

To that end, this morning we followed the Director-General’s reports of the six committees established by WHO. Cameroon, as always speaking on behalf of its peers ; the 47 countries of the WHO African Region, reiterated its commitment to multilateralism, to inernational solidarity, and above all to the leadership role that WHO must play in restructuring the global health architecture. In our interventions we of course thanked the Director-General for his leadership, and especially for the report that we delivered.

We also reiterated all the efforts that Cameroon has deployed during the difficult year 2025. Cameroon shared its experience with the whole subregion and mobilized its resources in the fight against epidemics.

We also adressed matters relating to preparedness and the management of public health needs. We therefore shared with the entire Executive Board the full range of actions undertaken by the President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul Biya, in the field of health. We are now following the debates.

With several other items on the day’s agenda, we have six to seven days of work ahead with all participants. Cameroon intends to play its part fully and to take an active role in the proceedings, as instructed by the President of the Republic, his Excellency Paul Biya. »

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