Hong Kong’s Margaret Chan voted to lead World Health Organization in 2006 – SCMP archive
This article was first published on November 9, 2006. Margaret Chan wins WHO race in coup for China, HK by Mary Ann Benitez Hong Kong’s former director of health Margaret Chan Fung Fu-chun made history yesterday (November 8, 2006) when she was nominated World Health Organisation director-general in a resounding victory that saw her lead all the way in four rounds of voting. Dr Chan, 59, is…
On November 8, 2006, Margaret Chan Fung Fu-chun, Hong Kong's former director of health, made history by being nominated for the position of World Health Organization director-general. The 59-year-old was overwhelmingly favored, securing all four rounds of voting. With this victory, she would become the first Chinese to lead a United Nations agency and the first from Hong Kong to lead any significant international organization.
Proposed by China, Dr Chan received 24 votes in the final round, with Mexico's Julio Frenk receiving the second-highest tally of 10 votes. The United States, among other nations, supported her bid, with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing publicly thanking the US for its backing. Dr Chan expressed her commitment to working tirelessly with members, listening to all voices, and prioritizing the well-being of countries worldwide.
Her appointment will begin on January 4, 2012, and she will serve until June 30, 2012, earning a salary of nearly US$218,000 annually. Her nomination has been met with mixed reactions in Hong Kong, given the lingering controversy surrounding her handling of the SARS crisis in 2003.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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