Israeli Health Ministry professional chosen for WHO Executive Committee

A the voices of Israel's opponents are being heard all over the world, a representative of the Health Ministry in Jerusalem has been asked to join the Executive Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO).

At the WHO’s regional conference taking place this week in Astana, Kazakhstan, Dr. Asher Shalmon, director of the ministry’s International Relations Division since 2018, was chosen among five countries that competed for the position. The appointment will take effect in May 2024 for a period of three years. 

The Executive Committee is composed of representatives of 34 states in the WHO, elected for overlapping periods of three years. Meeting twice a year, it serves as a central decision-making and oversight body responsible for shaping the WHO’s strategic direction, policies, and operations.

The Health Ministry and WHO 

Health Minister Uriel Bosso commented that Israel’s health system “is recognized worldwide, first and foremost thanks to its excellent professionals. His appointment to the WHO‘s Executive is a badge of honor. I am sure that his experience, ambition for excellence and his proven abilities will help advance the goals of the organization. I wish him great success.” 

Ministry director-general Moshe Bar Siman Tov added: “Precisely in these days when voices are heard in the world opposing Israel and there are manifestations of antisemitism in the world, this appointment is even more important. The health system in Israel is one of the best in the world and represents the Israeli spirit that strives for life and puts human needs at the center. I congratulate Dr. Shalmon on his election as Israel’s representative and wish him fruitful work in this important position.”

Shalmon replied that “it is a great honor but also a responsibility to bring the voice of the Israeli health system to the leadership of the WHO. We will focus on promoting areas on a global level in which Israel leads such as digital health, personalized medicine and preparation for emergencies. We will work to ensure that Israel's voice is heard at a high level among health professionals.”