From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof Muhammad Ali Pate has congratulated Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu on his appointment as Executive Director of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Health Emergencies Programme.
The announcement came via a statement by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health, released in Abuja on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Pate praised Ihekweazu, who succeeds Dr Mike Ryan, for his expertise in global health security and epidemic intelligence. “Dr Ihekweazu is an exceptional leader and a loyal team player,” Pate stated. “His visionary leadership, experience, and unwavering dedication to public health will serve the world well.”
The minister highlighted the timeliness of the appointment amid pandemics, climate-related health threats, and fragile health systems.
“The WHO has made an excellent choice,” he added, noting Ihekweazu’s role in strengthening global health security and emergency preparedness.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare pledged full support for Ihekweazu as he assumes this critical global role.