Hans, my dear brother,
First of all I would like to say congratulations on your appointment as WHO Regional Director for Europe.
Your resounding election success is a clear indication that you have earned the confidence and trust of Member States across the European Region.
I have the deepest respect for how you conducted your campaign, visiting countries, engaging with patients and with presidents, and listening to their needs and challenges. As you said, it was quite a marathon!
With modesty and determination, you gained an understanding of the concerns of people in Europe, and opened doors at the highest political levels to put health firmly on the agenda. Your way of working is my way of working.
In every position you have held, and every health challenge that you have faced, you have sought to protect and promote the health needs of the most vulnerable.
In you, the Member States of the European Region have a leader who embodies the values of the organization – a trusted public servant, committed to excellence in health, working through collaboration and caring deeply about people.
An insightful profile in the Lancet published recently describes you as an idealist – but you have that rare combination of qualities – idealism coupled with the resolve to see your ideas through, to make them happen. This is what our Organization needs, and it’s what the people of the European Region deserve.
I am gratified that your vision for the European Region builds on WHO’s global priorities - to achieve universal health coverage, address health emergencies and promote healthier populations. And I look forward to advancing the European Programme of Work - “United Action for Better Health” – with you.
You have inherited a Regional Office in an enviably strong position – a network of dynamic country offices; programmatic work that leads the world in many areas, including on addressing the health of refugees and migrants, and tackling antimicrobial resistance; and a team of highly-motivated, skilled staff.
Dear Hans, welcome to your new position in WHO. It is well-deserved. You can count on my unwavering support to take your vision forward.
Together, we will deliver results to the people we serve.