[Opinion] Vaccine King

The World Health Organization (WHO) is by far the largest U.N. agency in terms of both the size and influence. It may well be given that WHO fights for the universal goal of stopping epidemics and promoting health for mankind. Diseases have been one of the most enduring partners to human beings since the beginning of the history. There were myriads of people out there who were saved by WHO and got back on healthy life again. Without the organization`s ceaseless effort, it would have been impossible for the world to exterminate small pox, which had long been inflicting people throughout the world.

▷`To be specialized and experienced in health care area, have broad international-level experience, be capable of managing a large organization, have established leadership in public health, have contributed greatly to WHO programs, be in good health and capable of speaking one of official U.N. executive council and general assembly languages (which are English, Spanish and French).` These are qualifications set for those wishing to become a director-general of WHO. The requirements are very demanding of course, but they also shows well what kind of leader the organization is looking for. Of the five director-generals in WHO history, four of them, except the first chief, all started from the ranks and files of the organization. And four of them, except the fourth Japanese director-general, were white people from either Europe or America.

▷The incumbent Gro Harlem Brundtland has boosted prestige of the post significantly. After becoming the first female Prime Minister in Norway at the age of 41, she led the country for a decade and later served as the first chairman of the U.N. Environmental Development Committee, which contributed to forming the 1992 Rio Global Earth Summit under the theme `sustainable development.` Set to succeed the high-profile director-general this year were also international big wigs – UNAIDS chief, prime minister of Mazambique, Health Minister of Mexico and former Health Minister of Egypt.

▷It bears even more significance, therefore, that Dr. Lee Jong-wook, director of WHO stop tuberculosis program, was elected new director-general. The victory came from his devotion to public health care. He has spent most of his time promoting health for the world, earning the proud nickname `Vaccine King.` Of course, if the global standing of his home country were at about the same level as 30 years ago, it would not be possible. It is not just about glory, however. Being a chief in a U.N. organization requires more willingness to serve. Now, the world is watching Lee and his home country.

Mun Myeong-ho, Editorial Writer, munmh97@donga.com