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WHO 2003-2008: A Programme Of Quiet Thunder Takes Shape (p 179)
July 16, 2003This week's editorial looks ahead to the future of WHO as Dr J W Lee is poised to take over as leader of the only global health agency from Gro Harlem Brundtland on July 21.
Lee's priorities are discussed: 'The priority among priorities is HIV/AIDS. The phrase "3-by-5" peppers the language of Lee loyalists. His goal is to get 3 million people in developing countries on antiretroviral treatment by 2005. Lee has created a new cluster in WHO for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. He and his team see AIDS as a desperately neglected area in the agency's work. UNAIDS is a successful advocacy body.
The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is designed to be an effective financing instrument. Yet no international organisation has so far stepped forward to assume responsibility for controlling HIV at the country level. This is Lee's signature issue. The new administration also sees HIV/AIDS as a valuable lever to achieve its second priority: strengthening health systems. Gathering wide support to address HIV/AIDS is the agency's best means to secure political backing for investment in countries. To win this commitment will require a degree of detail in disease surveillance so far unknown to WHO. A thorough overhaul of the controversial Evidence and Information for Policy cluster aims to bring new expertise into the agency.'
The editorial comments that Lee's style will be different to Brundtland's: 'There will be no high-profile commissions, no command-and-control culture. He has carefully assembled a team of assistant director-generals and directors who will, first and foremost, work well together. He is conscious that infighting among executive directors marred the end of his predecessor's regime. The litmus test for any new initiative will be whether it can make a difference in countries. Resources will be decentralised. Regional offices will be drawn closer into decision making. Ways will be found to make WHO a kinder place to workthere is much to hope for from WHO after July 21. It is the right moment to offer the agency strong support.'
Lancet
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