Pakistan on Friday was elected chair of the World Health Organization's Executive Board with Dr Assad Hafeez assuming office as Chairman. 

The group of 34 member countries elected Pakistan as the chair during its 141st session held on June 1 in Geneva. 

The election of Dr Hafeez was a result of a two-tier process. Pakistan was elected first by the group of 22 countries comprising members of the Eastern Mediterranean Region and finally by the Executive Board comprising 34 countries. 

Members representing the 34 countries are individuals holding technical qualifications in the field of health and each has been designated by the member state. Each member state is elected for a three-year term. 

Congratulating the nation on the honour Pakistan has achieved, Minister for National Health Services, Saira Afzal Tarrar said it was indeed a great honour for Pakistan as well as a recognition of the important role it was playing in the field of health globally. 

The World Health Organization's Executive Board meets at least twice a year with its annual board meeting held in January. During the annual board meeting, the agenda for the World Health Assembly is decided and resolutions that will be considered by the Assembly are decided in a second meeting held in May. 

One of the main functions of the board is to advice and facilitate the World Health Assembly and to give effect to the decisions and policies of the Health Assembly comprising 194 member countries.