Director General

DG WAHO

Dr. Melchior Athanase Joël C. AISSI

Biography:

Melchior Athanase Joël C. AISSI, a Medical Doctor with expertise in Public Health; Health Development and Humanitarian Disaster Management is the Director General of the West African Health Organization (WAHO) since August 3, 2022.

Dr. Aïssi holds a postgraduate degree in Public Health, Health and Development from the University Henri Poincarré /Nancy1 in France.

He is a member of the United Nations Strategic Planning Expert Group (Technical Support Planning UNAIDS) and is also recognized as an ECOWAS Health Communication and Coordination Trainer.

Dr. Aïssi has led multiple successful interventions by effectively setting up public health systems (operational, administrative and financial management) and supporting various health emergencies across the African continent.

Dr. Aïssi was from 2016 to August 2022, the Executive Secretary of the National Council for the Fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Epidemics (CNLS-TP) in Benin; Delegate President of the National Coordinating Body for Global Fund grants in Benin (CCM Benin) for the good management and oversight of grants; and also since the advent of COVID-19, he was the first Vice President of the National Committee for Crisis and Health Emergencies in Benin.

Dr. Aïssi has over 27 years of professional experience in several African countries, specifically in:

  • Development of results-based strategic plans, monitoring and evaluation plans and rehabilitation plans;
  • Assessment and development of an epidemic management contingency plan;
  • Vulnerability and capacity assessments;
  • Assessment of National Strategic Frameworks with implementation of health systems strengthening plans and advocacy;
  • Human resource management and collaboration; and
  • Management of refugees and displaced persons for the Red Cross and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Dr. Aïssi strongly believes in the ECOWAS vision 2050: "ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity for All!" and to achieve this, WAHO must make health systems strengthening, community engagement and resilience, its priorities.

 

West African Health Organization
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