Margaret Chan Quotes & Sayings (Page 2)

“Pandemic influenza is by nature an international issue; it requires an international solution.”

“I want us to be judged by the impact we have on the health of the people of Africa and the health of women. Improvements in the health of the people of Africa and the health of women are key indicators of the performance of WHO. This is a health organization for the whole world... But we must focus our attention on the people in greatest need.”

“Based on assessment of all available information and following several expert consultations, I have decided to raise the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to phase 5.”

“Many diseases including malaria, dengue, meningitis - just a few examples - these are what we call climate-sensitive diseases, because such climate dimensions for rainfall, humidity and temperature would influence the epidemics, the outbreaks, either directly influencing the parasites or the mosquitoes that carry them.”

“A health system that lacks commodities for managing high-mortality infectious diseases and the main killers of mothers and young children will not have an adequate impact. By the same token, even the best-stocked delivery system will have an inadequate impact if it fails to reach the poor.”

“After all it really is all of humanity that is under threat during a pandemic.”

“I have a reputation for being a straight-talker.”

“We cannot think of the old days when we were dealing with SARS. It's a totally different ballgame now.”

“New diseases like SARS and bird flu cause anxiety in the community. People get worried, some to the extent that it even affects their health. You feel very sad, and yet you must carry on and maintain your cool in very trying and difficult moments. You have to tough it out.”

“The WHO is the lead agency in health in the United Nations system, and clearly we have very important functions to play.”