Devex: Opinion: My vision for the WHO
David Nabarro, special adviser to the U.N. secretary general on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Climate Change and a candidate for WHO director general

“…[T]he World Health Organization is vitally important to all of us. … If elected as director general of the WHO, I will prioritize the building of capacity within countries: Poor countries will receive the support they need to protect their people and to keep them safe. I will ensure that the worldwide response system will function well, responding impartially to people’s needs, with dependable support systems in each region. I will upgrade its response to disease outbreaks, as a matter of urgency. … I want the WHO to be at the heart of efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda, supporting the many governments across our world who are working to put the plan into action: making people’s health and well-being a central objective. … I want the WHO to demonstrate results and show that it offers value for money. I want the WHO to be trusted by people, governments, and partners everywhere — contributing to improved standards of health and health care. … I want the WHO at all times to demonstrate how its work links directly to improving people’s health. … I know I am the best qualified person to be the director general of the WHO and ensure that it is a WHO that is fit for the future” (3/27).