–after being elected at 61st Directing Council Meeting in Washington, D.C

MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony was elected President of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Executive Committee at the 61st Directing Council Meeting, which concluded on October 4 in Washington, D.C.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Health, Dr. Anthony will serve as the President of PAHO Executive Committee for a one-year term, during which he will lead the organisation’s mission to improve and safeguard the health and well-being of the peoples of the Americas.

PAHO’s work spans critical areas such as combating infectious diseases, enhancing health systems, and promoting universal health coverage, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Upon accepting the nomination, Dr. Anthony expressed his gratitude to PAHO member states for placing their trust in his leadership. He reiterated his commitment to enhancing the organisation’s ideals, stressing the importance of multilateral co-operation in addressing urgent public health issues, including pandemic preparedness, equitable healthcare access, and health system strengthening.

Dr. Anthony has been at the forefront of health policy reform in Guyana, and is credited with spearheading various health initiatives, including ongoing national campaigns to eliminate neglected tropical diseases such as lymphatic filariasis.
His leadership at PAHO is expected to bring fresh perspectives and a continued emphasis on health equity, sustainability, and innovation, the Health Ministry said.

The Pan American Health Organisation, established in 1902, is an international public health agency working to improve the health and living standards of the Americas’ countries. PAHO serves as the specialised health agency of the Inter-American System and is the World Health Organisation (WHO) regional office for the Americas.