PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, (CMC) — Haiti’s Health Minister Bertrand Sinal says the country will be “a committed voice” after it was elected to the executive board of the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the first time in its history.

The election for the 2025-2028 term took place during the 157th session of the WHO Executive Board on May 28 and 29 in Geneva. Sinal indicated that out of the WHO’s 194 member states, 34 sit on the Executive Board.

“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.

He expressed his appreciation to the other states “for the trust placed in Haiti,” adding that 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 despite the complex and multidimensional challenges, Haiti remains “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.”

He also said Haiti also welcomes the approval of the 2026-2027 programme budget, saying “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.

“As a member of the Executive Board, Haiti is committed to contributing and collaborating resolutely in global governance. We will be a committed voice for a WHO that is more inclusive, more transparent, and closer to the realities on the ground as well as for cooperation based on solidarity and respect for national institutions, so that, everywhere, health is recognised and protected as a fundamental right”.