WHO to get new Director General

WORLD Health Organisation (WHO) is soon getting a new director general, who will be chosen by vote at the forthcoming World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

Member States will choose among three nominees during the Assembly taking place from May 22 to 31, 2017. The new Director-General will take office on July 1, 2017, according to information provided by the organisation.

The WHO Executive Board selected by vote three candidates to be presented to World Health Assembly as nominees for the post of Director-General of WHO.

Five candidates had been interviewed by Member States  prior to the vote. The names of the three nominees were announced at a public meeting on January 25, 2017.

The three nominees are Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose nomination was submitted by the Government of Ethiopia as candidate for the job, Dr David Nabarro nominated by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britat Government of Pakistan.

The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of WHO. It is attended by all WHO Member States and focuses on a health agenda prepared by the Executive Board.

The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to determine the policies of WHO, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget. The World Health Assembly is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland.

The new WHO director general will replace Dr Margaret Chan.