Tedros was re-elected to lead the WHO position

The secret ballot, with a majority of votes in favor of the incumbent WHO Secretary-General, at the organization’s annual general meeting on May 24 was considered a formality, as Tedros was the only candidate for the seat. leader.

According to Reuters, after the voting results were announced, the ministers and delegates of the countries in turn shook hands and hugged Mr. Tedros, the former Ethiopian Health Minister who led the specialized agency. of the United Nations to overcome the turbulent period caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Tedros said that WHO’s focus will be on preparing for emergencies and improving the agency. “The Covid-19 pandemic is unprecedented and brings many lessons that we should and must learn. However, we cannot stop just to learn, but must learn and implement the measures at the same time. mission,” emphasized Mr. Tedros.

The head of WHO also shed tears when referring to the current Ukraine crisis and the death of his younger brother from childhood illness amid war and poverty decades ago.

“When I visit Ukraine, especially the children… It’s an image from more than 50 years ago that comes to life in my mind, very clear, very brutal. The smell, the sound and the sight of war. That’s what I don’t want to happen to anyone,” he confided.

Many countries, including Germany and the United States, quickly sent greetings to Mr. Tedros. German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said on Twitter that Mr Tedros had won 155/160 votes, calling the result “totally deserved”. Germany recently overtook the US as the top donor to WHO.

However, Tedros’s candidacy for a second term did not receive support from his home country – Ethiopia because of divisions related to the Tigray conflict. The Ethiopian envoy said Botswana’s statement congratulating Mr Tedros did not represent all of the 47 African countries.

Tuan Anh

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