MFA Press Release: Congratulatory Statement by Dr Balaji Sadasivan Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Singapore on behalf of members of WPRO at the World Health Assembly, Geneva, 9 November 2006

Mr President,

Honourable Ministers,

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great honour for me to make this statement on behalf of the members of the Western Pacific Region (WPRO). We join others in commemorating the work and contribution of Dr. Lee Jung Wook. We also wish to register our commendation for the excellent work done by Dr. Anders Nordström as Acting Director-General. We would like to convey our heart-felt congratulations to Dr Margaret Chan on her appointment as the next Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO). All of us in WPRO are proud and happy that the next Director-General of the WHO comes from our region. The fact that this is the first time that an Asian woman has been selected for this job is another source of joy and satisfaction for all our members. We pledge our full commitment to work with her closely as she leads the WHO during this challenging period.

The challenges facing the WHO are many. The threat of an influenza pandemic remains very real as outbreaks of emerging and epidemic-prone diseases continue to occur in alarming numbers. Non-communicable diseases are also on the rise, leading to a double burden of disease. These are areas where WHO can and must play a leadership role. We have no doubt that Dr Margaret Chan will deal with these challenges effectively and efficiently, with wisdom and determination, and with courage and leadership. We know also that she will do all this with her trademark smile and human touch.

We in WPRO know Dr Margaret Chan very well. During her 30 years in public health management, Dr Chan has had first-hand experience in dealing with outbreaks of major infectious diseases such as SARS and avian influenza. As Director of Health in Hong Kong, she showed courage and determination. As WHO Assistant Director-General, Dr Chan proved herself to be an excellent manager and effective communicator as she led efforts to support the drawing up of national preparedness plans and coordinated a global response to avian influenza and other epidemics. Given the breadth and depth of Dr. Chan's experience, we have every confidence that she will bring WHO to a new and higher level.

Dr Margaret Chan's six priorities for WHO constitute a comprehensive and concrete plan for the WHO. It is a vision for all peoples to attain the highest possible level of health. I know that Dr Chan is an action-oriented person who is ready and eager to set in motion her plan as soon as she takes up office. We stand ready as a region to fully support Dr Chan in these efforts and look forward to working closely with her. Finally, I would also advise Dr Margaret Chan to get some rest. She has worked very hard these past months and weeks. I think she deserves some rest and a perhaps little holiday. We in WPRO wish her all the best as she prepares to take on one of the most demanding jobs in the UN system.

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