Former Director-General: Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland

Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland took office as Director-General of the World Health Organization on 21 July 1998. Dr Brundtland was nominated by WHO's Executive Board on 27 January and elected to the post on 13 May by the Member States of WHO. Her term of office ended on 21 July 2003.

In her acceptance speech for the World Health Assembly, Dr Brundtland said: "What is our Key mission? I see WHO's role as being the moral voice and the technical leader in improving health of the people of the world. Ready and able to give advice on the key issues that can unleash development and alleviate suffering. I see our purpose to be combating disease and ill-health - promoting sustainable and equitable health systems in all countries".

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