It has been a few weeks since my last message to you. First and foremost, I would like to thank my friends and colleagues for your unwavering support. I am honored to be one of three candidates left in the election for Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). I am pleased our campaign received 34 votes in the first round of voting, which means every country on WHO’s Executive Board endorsed my candidacy. I am also grateful to have received the highest number of votes in the second round of the shortlisting. I know that transforming WHO requires effective engagement with Member States, so I am heartened by this strong display of support from each region. Countries must be at the table, as full and equal partners, to guide and make the decisions that will affect the health of their populations.
Over the next 2 months, I look forward to continuing our conversation about how to make a tangible, positive impact on the health and lives of people everywhere. I am confident that if we maximise inclusive partnerships and ensure collective priority setting, we will build a stronger WHO fit for the challenges of the 21st century.
On March 8, International Women’s Day, I
called for much needed global actions and investments to support countries’ advancement of gender equality and the empowerment of girls and women. Despite all the progress we have made, millions of women and girls continue to face challenges ranging from access to education and employment opportunities, to early marriage and lack of access to reproductive health services. Investing in girls and women is the smartest thing we can do, and it will help us improve opportunities for all people.
Leading on gender equality is among my five leadership priorities. Over the next 2 months, I look forward to continuing our conversation about this issue and others that will lead to tangible, positive impact on the health and lives of people everywhere. I am confident that if we maximise inclusive partnerships and ensure collective priority setting, we will build a stronger WHO, fit for the challenges of the 21st century.
All of this builds on the support from you.
These discussions and experiences have energized me and reaffirmed that we can and will build WHO into a more effective, transparent and accountable agency that is independent, science and innovation-based, results-focused and responsive. Please see my
vision statement for more about my leadership priorities for WHO.
With your assistance, I am confident that we will be successful in the final election in May at the World Health Assembly.
Together for a healthier world.
