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Chinese woman to head WHO

A Chinese woman, Dr. Margaret Chan, won the nomination to head the world Health Organization and become the top official in charge of world health. Dr. Chan would become the first Chinese national to hold a top United Nations post. Her expertise, in the bird-flu, is expected to be critical in the coming years as the WHO fights global pandemics and governments that hide information from the international organizations concerning the spread of diseases in their countries.

China, by nominating Chan and winning the position, is expected to play a bigger international role. In the final round of voting, which began with five nominees, Chan easily defeated Mexico`s health minister, Dr. Julio Frenk. Chan will start her term on January 4 and will hold the position until 2012.

In the recent outbreaks of the bird-flu, China has been widely criticized for under-treating the pandemic. As diplomacy and carefull tip-toeing are a great part of the care of these outbreaks, a Chinese woman at the WHO could advance the effort to stop the pandemic early on. Meanwhile, Chan is proud of her personal success, and said "This is a moment of personal honor for me and also of deep personal responsibility."