The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has elected Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran as its new Director General during its 91st General Session.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has announced the election of its new Director General for a 5-year mandate (2024-2029). Through a secret ballot vote during its 91st General Session, following the “one country, one vote” rule, WOAH delegates chose Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran to lead the organisation into its next chapter during its 91st General Session. She therefore becomes WOAH’s 8th Director General. Under Soubeyran’s leadership, the organisation emphasized that it will remain dedicated to advancing animal health governance, promoting a safer, healthier future for both animals and humans.
Dr. Soubeyran’s election brings an end to predecessor Dr. Monique Eloit’s 8-year tenure at the organisation. Dr. Eloit leaves a significant legacy, having enhanced global cooperation to combat animal diseases. During her two mandates, WOAH has strengthened its members’ capacity and inclusivity, expanding support for veterinary paraprofessionals and community animal health workers. Fostering innovation, WOAH also implemented data-driven programmes such as the Observatory, a monitoring mechanism of the implementation of WOAH Standards, and the global database on animal antimicrobial use, ANIMUSE.
