Poonam Khetrapal Singh reappointed WHO regional director for South-East Asia

Poonam Khetrapal Singh has been appointed the South-East Asia regional director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for a second five-year term.

The WHO Executive Board Saturday unanimously endorsed Khetrapal Singh, who was earlier unanimously nominated by 11 member-countries of the region for another five years.

Congratulating her, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "The first woman to become Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia Region, you have provided dynamic leadership in a Region that accounts for a quarter of the world's population but a disproportionate burden of diseases. Under your leadership, the Region has made remarkable progress."
In her acceptance speech, Khetrapal Singh said, "It is a privilege to once again be appointed as Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia Region. The confidence you have reposed in me is humbling."
Detailing her vision for her next term in her acceptance speech at the Executive Board, Khetrapal Singh said, "We must sustain the gains we made. It means ensuring we hold fast to our progress in diseases elimination, which history shows can return with a vengeance if attention falters, and ensuring that there is no room for complacency. We must accelerate sustainable progress."