10 The Executive Board (the Board) consists of 34 persons who are technically qualified in the field of health, and who have been designated by 34 Member States. These Member States are elected by the Health Assembly, one third of the Board being renewed each year.
20 The Board must meet at least twice a year. Its members may be accompanied by alternates and advisers. The main meeting is normally in January and there is a short second meeting immediately following the Health Assembly.
30 The Health Assembly clarified in 1998 that Member States should designate the persons composing the Board as their representatives, technically qualified in the field of health. Specific guidelines exist regarding contractual relations between the Organization and Executive Board members, alternates and advisers (see related content: Guidelines regarding contractual relations with Executive Board Members, Alternates and Advisers).
40 The main function of the Board is to give effect to the decisions and policies of the Health Assembly and to act as the executive organ of the Health Assembly. Among its other functions, the Board submits a general programme of work to the Health Assembly for consideration and approval.
50 Committees established by the Board are similar to those established by the Health Assembly:
- committees whose membership is confined to members of the Board and whose meetings are normally held in connection with a session of the Board;
- intergovernmental committees and working groups open to Member States which meet between sessions of the Board and report to it; and
- expert committees, including sub-committees, and committees set up jointly with other organizations which are composed of experts acting in their own individual capacity.
60 The Board establishes such committees as the Health Assembly directs and may, on its own initiative or on the proposal of the Director-General, set up any other committees that will facilitate its work.
70 At present, the Board has established the following committees:
- the Programme Budget and Administration Committee (PBAC), which, according to its Terms of Reference, either make recommendations to the Executive Board or act on its behalf;
- the Standing Committee on Non-governmental Organizations; and,
- the Independent Expert Oversight Advisory Committee (IEOAC) (see section I.6.4), which reports to the PBAC.
