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Bird flu expert set to lead WHO Bird flu expert to head up WHO
(about 16 hours later)
A Chinese expert on bird flu is set to become the next head of the World Health Organization. A Chinese expert on bird flu has become the next head of the World Health Organization.
The WHO's top decision making body, the World Health Assembly is expected to approve the appointment of Margaret Chan on Thursday. The WHO's top decision making body, the World Health Assembly has approved the appointment of Margaret Chan on Thursday.
As WHO director-general, Dr Chan will become the first Chinese person to head a major UN agency. As WHO director-general, Dr Chan has become the first Chinese person to head a major UN agency.
She will replace South Korea's Lee Jong-wook who died suddenly last May three years into his five-year term. She replaces South Korea's Lee Jong-wook who died suddenly last May three years into his five-year term.
Dr Chan beat off challenges by Mexico's Health Minister Julio Frenk, Japan's Shigeru Omi, a senior WHO official, Spain's Health Minister Elena Salgado and another top WHO official, Kuwait's Kazem Behbehani in final voting on Wednesday.Dr Chan beat off challenges by Mexico's Health Minister Julio Frenk, Japan's Shigeru Omi, a senior WHO official, Spain's Health Minister Elena Salgado and another top WHO official, Kuwait's Kazem Behbehani in final voting on Wednesday.
Dr Chan has been overseeing the WHO's response to the threat of bird flu, and a possible flu pandemic.Dr Chan has been overseeing the WHO's response to the threat of bird flu, and a possible flu pandemic.
Extensive experienceExtensive experience
Previously, she spent nine years as director of Hong Kong's department of health, where she won praise for helping fight the world's first outbreak of bird flu in 1997.Previously, she spent nine years as director of Hong Kong's department of health, where she won praise for helping fight the world's first outbreak of bird flu in 1997.
Dr Lee died in officeDr Lee died in office
Her decision to cull about 1.5m poultry in the face of opposition was seen as crucial in helping to stem the spread of the virus.Her decision to cull about 1.5m poultry in the face of opposition was seen as crucial in helping to stem the spread of the virus.
She also has experience in dealing with another deadly respiratory disease, Sars, which spread from Asia into other parts of the world in 2002-2003.She also has experience in dealing with another deadly respiratory disease, Sars, which spread from Asia into other parts of the world in 2002-2003.
However, she was criticised at home for allegedly failing to get speedy information from mainland China where the disease beganHowever, she was criticised at home for allegedly failing to get speedy information from mainland China where the disease began
During her campaign, Dr Chan said that if she became director-general she would focus on fighting chronic diseases such as Aids and tuberculosis. In her acceptance speech, Dr Chan said: "What matters most to me is people and two specific groups of people in particular.
She said: "No other international or national agency can get to an outbreak scene within 24 hours or marshal such technical expertise so fast." "I want us to be judged by the impact we have on the health of the people of Africa, and the health of women.
On hearing of her nomination, Dr Chan said: "Rest assured that I will work tirelessly, with my eyes on the goals we agree on together, my ears open to the voices of all and my heart committed to the populations of your countries." "This is a health organization for the whole world. Our work must touch on the lives of everyone, everywhere.
"But we must focus our attention on the people in greatest need."
Dr Chan's appointment may help to consolidate China's relationship with the WHO although some critics are concerned it could also complicate her dealings with China which is playing an increasingly pivotal role in global health.Dr Chan's appointment may help to consolidate China's relationship with the WHO although some critics are concerned it could also complicate her dealings with China which is playing an increasingly pivotal role in global health.