Union HealthMinister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Friday took charge as Chairman of the World HealthOrganisation (WHO) Executive Board. Dr Vardhan succeeded Dr Hiroki Nakatani ofJapan.

The ExecutiveBoard comprises of 34 members who are technically qualified in thefield of health, each one designated by a member state elected to do so by theWorld Health Assembly.

The Chair of the Executive Board is elected by itsmembers on being nominated by the Regional Committees of the six WHO Regions,by rotation.

"Ifeel deeply honored to have the trust and faith of all of you. India, and mycountrymen, too, feel privileged that this honor has been bestowed upon us. Iwill work to realize the collective vision of our organization, to build thecollective capacity of all our Member nations and to build a heroic collectiveleadership," Vardhan said addressing the 147th WHO Executive Board sessionas its Chair. The session was held virtually.