By Muhammad Amaan
The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has formally welcomed its new Director-General, Prof. Palokinam Pitche, while paying tribute to his predecessor, Dr. Melchior Aissi, for his service to the regional body.
The ceremony was held on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the ECOWAS Resident Representation in Côte d’Ivoire. It marked the official assumption of duty by Prof. Pitche in Abidjan.
Prof. Pitche succeeds Dr. Aissi, who served as WAHO Director-General for four years. During his tenure, Dr. Aissi oversaw significant progress in regional health cooperation across West Africa.
According to a statement issued by WAHO on Sunday, Dr. Aissi’s leadership was instrumental in strengthening the organisation’s response to public health challenges in the region.
The statement noted that under his watch, WAHO advanced key programmes aimed at disease prevention, health system strengthening, and cross-border health collaboration among ECOWAS member states.
The event provided an opportunity for WAHO officials, partners and stakeholders to welcome the new leadership and reflect on the achievements of the outgoing administration.
Speaking at the ceremony, stakeholders commended Dr. Aissi for his commitment and for positioning WAHO as a key driver of health integration in West Africa.
They also expressed optimism that Prof. Pitche’s wealth of experience in public health and academia would consolidate the gains recorded and deepen the organisation’s impact.
WAHO said it remains focused on its mandate to harmonise health policies, coordinate regional responses to epidemics, and promote equitable access to healthcare in the sub-region.
With the leadership transition now complete, the organisation pledged to continue working with member states and development partners to address emerging health challenges across West Africa.
