Dr Chan names new Deputy Director-General for the World Health Organization

Geneva, 9 January 2007 -- Today, Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, named Dr Anarfi Asamoa-Baah as WHO's Deputy-Director General. Dr Asamoa-Baah, a national from Ghana, will take up duties immediately.

Dr Asamoa-Baah, also known as "AB" at WHO, has held senior positions at the Organization since 1998. He began his career at WHO as a senior policy advisor to the Director-General. Since then, he has been widely respected for his  leadership in HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, communicable diseases, health technology and pharmaceuticals, and in external relations. Prior to work at WHO, he was the Director of Medical Services for Ghana, and has significant experience in public health, health policy and health systems development.

"I am exceptionally pleased to name Dr Asamoa-Baah to the important post of Deputy Director-General," said Dr Chan. "WHO and the world of public health will benefit greatly from his expertise, his experience and his wisdom. I am looking forward to working closely with him."

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