Haiti elected to WHO Executive Board for first time in history

Haiti has secured a seat on the Executive Board of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the first time, with Health Minister Bertrand Sinal pledging that the country will be “a committed voice” in shaping global health policy.

The election, covering the 2025–2028 term, was held during the 157th session of the WHO Executive Board on May 28 and 29 in Geneva. Of the WHO’s 194 member states, only 34 sit on the Executive Board at any given time.

“This body is responsible for implementing the decisions of the World Health Assembly and providing strategic guidance to the organisation. For the first time, Haiti was elected to this Board,” Sinal said.

Expressing gratitude for the support from fellow member states, Sinal described the election as more than a symbolic milestone. “Serving on the Executive Board for the first time is much more than a privilege for us, it is a commitment to actively participate in the major decisions that shape global health,” he said.

He noted that Haiti remains determined to strengthen its public health system, despite facing complex and multidimensional challenges. “We are committed to building a system that is more resilient, more equitable, and, above all, closer to the real needs of our populations, particularly the most vulnerable,” Sinal said.

The minister also welcomed the adoption of the WHO’s 2026–2027 programme budget, stressing the importance of reliable and sustainable financing. “It is essential that such an instrument be accompanied by predictable, sustainable funding that is aligned with the priorities of countries, particularly those in fragile situations or with limited capacity,” he said.

Sinal affirmed that Haiti will actively contribute to the Executive Board’s work. “We will be a committed voice for a WHO that is more inclusive, more transparent, and closer to the realities on the ground,” he said, emphasizing a spirit of solidarity, respect for national institutions, and the recognition of health as a fundamental right for all.