In a statement, the WHO said that this professor of medicine, who had become a familiar figure of the French during the Covid-19 health crisis, holds the position of Assistant Director-General for Universal Health Coverage and Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases.
In this role, he will oversee a broad portfolio of technical programs including HIV, sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, malaria, mental health issues as well as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.
Dr Salomon, who holds a PhD in epidemiology, was already a member of WHO's executive board before his appointment and has "extensive experience in managing health systems, communicable diseases and international public health," the organization said.
WHO on Monday appointed a total of five new personalities to the management team at its headquarters in Geneva, some of whom had already been announced a few months ago. These appointments follow the reappointment last year of Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as head of WHO.
Dr Jeremy Farrar, who headed the UK's Wellcome Trust research foundation, will become the organisation's chief scientist from 8 May.
In his position, says the WHO, this clinician-scientist will bring together the best minds from around the world in science and innovation "to design and implement quality health policies and services". Prior to joining the Wellcome Trust in 2013, he headed the Clinical Research Unit at the Vietnam Hospital for Tropical Diseases for 17 years, where his research focused on global health with a focus on emerging infectious diseases.
Dr Razia Pendse of the WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia will become the new Chief of Staff to the Director-General, replacing Catharina Boehme, as of 4 May.
© 2023 AFP