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Candidacy of Dr. Shigeru Omi, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific for the Post of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO)

June 5, 2006

  1. The Government of Japan has decided to propose Dr. Shigeru Omi, currently WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, for the post of WHO Director-General. The decision was made following the announcement by the WHO that an election would be held in November to choose the successor to WHO Director-General Dr. Jong-wook Lee after his sudden death on 22 May, 2006.
  2. The new WHO Director-General is expected to possess the abilities to lead WHO in the right direction at this important juncture where strengthened international response is called for to confront infectious diseases, including a potential new pandemic influenza.
  3. At present, Dr. Omi is taking the lead in addressing health issues in Asia, including the fight against infectious diseases. He has earned high regard as a leader in international health well beyond the Western Pacific region (which includes East Asia), through his strong leadership in achieving the eradication of polio in the region and in initiating swift and vigorous response to the outbreak of SARS in 2003. With right personality and management skills, Dr. Omi is well suited for the post.

(Ref.) Timetable for the Election of a new WHO Director-General

1st June the Acting Director-General informed Members States that they may propose persons for nomination to the post of Director General
5th September final date for receipt of proposals
5th October dispatch materials on the proposals to Member States
6-8th November special session of the Executive Board
9th November special session of the Health Assembly
(END)

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