Health minister elected as member of GAVI board

ISLAMABAD: In an election held during 65th WHO Regional Committee Meeting in Khartoum, Sudan, Federal Health Minister Aamer Kiani was elected as member of the prestigious Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) board.

It is a great honour for Pakistan and recognition of its role in global health at the International level, said a press release issued by the Health Ministry.

Gavi board is a high-powered body which deliberates, discusses and decides about global policies on vaccination and its apparatus. Pakistan can now have an impact at this level, said a statement.

The country’s elevation to the position is reflective of growing confidence of the international health fraternity in the country’s health leadership. Pakistan was also elected as member of ‘pricing and marketing committee’ an important subcommittee of the board.

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The GAVI Board is the supreme governing body of the Vaccine Alliance. Functions of the board includes setting of policies and strategies for GAVI, and amending its by-laws and other internal guidelines and procedures necessary for the administration and management of the Vaccine Alliance.

The GAVI Board is also responsible for strategic direction and policy-making, oversees the operations of the Vaccine Alliance and monitors programme implementation. With membership drawn from a range of partner organizations, as well as experts from the public & private sector, the GAVI Board provides a forum for balanced strategic decision making, innovation and partner collaboration.