Pavla Kortusova, a former teacher in international relations at several Czech universities, joined WHO 17 years ago as an administrative assistant at the WHO Country Office in Czechia. When she’s not busy multitasking in the office, she relaxes by going paddle-boarding, running, skiing, or by practicing more extreme outdoor activities, such as jumping into a rushing river wearing survival gear. In this interview, she talks about her work in the WHO Country Office in Czechia, core United Nations values, and her passion for fantasy literature and sports.
Tell us about your job
The WHO Country Office in Czechia is a small office with only 2 staff. I assist the WHO Representative and I’m responsible for the daily running of the office. Since we are a small office, I also support projects and reach out to media, technical partners and the general public. The projects I work on can be ‘easier’ short-term ones, like conducting a study or hosting a roundtable discussion, or more complex ones that require longer-term support. These larger events involve arranging support for working groups and I also work on projects on mental health, the environment and health. What I like about my work is the support I can provide on different levels and in different professional areas. It’s impossible to get bored. You could say my job is a multitasking function, providing the necessary coordination and support that makes us functional as a WHO Country Office.
What drew you to WHO?
I specialized in United Nations-related topics during my studies, and I was also teaching on intercultural management, international organizations and human rights at the University of Economics in Czechia. I really wanted to join the UN to do my part to make the world better, more peaceful, and more equal. I have always held a very strong conviction that all people, whatever their origin, are equal – no matter their differences. I wanted to support this core principle in my daily work and I succeeded. I joined WHO as I was finishing my PhD studies in kinanthropology back in 2004, and I am proud that I work under the UN umbrella.
What’s kinanthropology?
Kinanthropology is an interdisciplinary science focusing on the study of physical activity by individuals. I have always been passionate about sports and regular physical activity because of its significant benefits for health and well-being.
What inspires you?
It’s very much linked to the values of the United Nations. As WHO, we provide a multilateral, independent platform for stakeholders and government, together with technical independent expertise on a broad range of health-related issues. I feel this function is crucial. We can call a meeting and involve different sectors, such as parliament, NGOs or industry, and bring them together around one table for discussions and an exchange of approaches. One of our recent successes is stricter tobacco control and regulation in Czech law. Our work isn’t always easy, but our function is unique and our work vital. I am happy when human values, health or sustainable development are put at the centre of action and I see progress. That’s extremely motivational for further work.
How has your work affected others?
Let me give you an example in the area of mental health. Some 17 years ago, British author J.K. Rowling visited Czechia. She also visited a mental health care institution and was disappointed with what she saw. This was during the time when I joined WHO in Czechia, and suddenly I had to respond to sensitive questions from all directions – as the Head of the Office was absent – about mental health care hospitals with so-called cage beds with nets around them, where children were kept. Rowling also wrote open letters to the Czech President and Prime Minister, pushing for change. Having to address a sensitive issue with big political impact as a new staff member wasn’t easy…! But it was also very interesting. At WHO, we worked hard to support the government in reforming the psychiatric care system in Czechia, moving towards a more community-based mental health care approach, emphasizing crucial aspects about quality of care and a general human rights perspective. This is a very important example of concrete changes that can be achieved when not only political representatives, but also different sectors like primary health care, social care workers, and mental health care workers, are brought together. Patient care has moved to the fore, but there is still work to be done. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health and well-being for all, and people in need of support should not be stigmatized.
How do you take care of your own well-being?
I recharge by taking part in sports and with my two kids. I’m a runner, I play beach volleyball, and during winter I go cross-country skiing. But I also enjoy relaxing with a book. I like fantasy, so Rowling is one of my favourite authors, along with Terry Pratchett – I have read most of his books. And J.R.R. Tolkien’s as well, of course. Fantasy books help me to switch off from the real word into a world where everything and anything is possible.
What’s the latest book you read?
It’s a completely different genre! I read a book by Czech author Karel Klostermann called ‘Lístky ze Šumavské epopeje’ – stories from the Šumava mountains. Klostermann, who lived in the area, describes the traditions, lifestyles and hardships of people in the villages and rural areas of Šumava in the 19th century. I have a cottage in Šumava where we often spend our weekends, relaxing and being close to nature. It’s really interesting to read about the way of life of people back then, in the areas I know so well. Their lifestyles have changed, even though many challenges of living in rural areas remain the same. People still have to be brave and self-sufficient.
Last question: Who would you invite for a dinner and discussion, present or historic?
Marie Curie – she, as a woman in science, has inspired me a lot. During my time in university, I was reading about her life. She’s such a role model as, during the end of the 19th century, it was so difficult for women to achieve recognition from their families, from society and especially from the professional, male-dominated science community. The role of women in society was still so limited and narrow. Marie Curie wasn’t only a fighter for science, but also a fighter for all women in science. She has inspired me a lot.
WHO Country Office in Czechia
- Number of staff: 2
- Operating since (year): 1991
- Key focus areas: public health, primary health care, mental health, promoting a healthy lifestyle, HIV
- The main mission of the WHO Country Office in Czechia is to coordinate all WHO activities in the Czech Republic, ensuring information is shared about initiatives and events organized by WHO. The Country Office ensures access to and distribution of WHO information documents, reports and guidelines. It facilitates cooperation and participation of Czech experts in WHO activities. It advocates for health in policy-making across sectors, and provides technical health leadership in collaboration with the government, other sectors and multiple stakeholders.