Today marks Dr Takeshi Kasai’s first day as Regional Director for the Western
Pacific, following his confirmation by the WHO Executive Board on 26
January.
“I’m grateful for the trust placed in me by WHO Member States,
and I’m deeply honoured to serve as Regional Director,” says Dr Kasai.
“I want to build on the legacy of Dr Shin, particularly the culture he
created of all staff in the Region working as one family, the practice of
constantly asking if there’s a better way of doing things, and providing a good
working environment for staff,” says Dr Kasai.
In a video message
released today, the new Regional Director shares his thoughts on the direction
of WHO’s work in the Region for his coming five-year term. He outlines plans to
build on the legacy of former Regional Director Dr Shin Young-Soo, whom he
credits with spearheading the transformation of the Organization in the Western
Pacific.
Watch Dr Kasai's video.
Dr Kasai also mentions how WHO’s support for Member States over the past decade has contributed to public health milestones, such as significant reductions in the number of children dying before their fifth birthday and deaths from tuberculosis.
But many challenges lie ahead, Dr Kasai adds, including rising rates of noncommunicable diseases, climate change and the next inevitable pandemic.
To ensure better health across the Region, Dr Kasai highlights the need for greater staff engagement and innovation. He encourages staff to share ideas and suggestions on how the Organization can better serve Member States. Staff may send their ideas to WPRtransitionideas@who.int.
Member States nominated Dr Kasai as Regional Director in October 2018 during the sixty-ninth session of the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific. The WHO Executive Board confirmation is the official designation of regional directors before their terms commence. For more information about Dr Kasai’s appointment, please follow this link.