Regions with a high disease burden should be prioritised
BMJ 2003; 326 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.326.7381.124 (Published 18 January 2003) Cite this as: BMJ 2003;326:124
Pascoal Mocumbi is prime minister of Mozambique
On 27–28 January, the World Health Organization executive board picks its new director general elect. The BMJ asked all eight candidates what they would do if they got the job. We print extracts from the replies on the next four pages. Full answers are available on bmj.com.
What will be your priorities on taking office?
As director general I would work intensively with international development and financing agencies to keep health at the top of the development agenda and to achieve our long stated goal of “health for all.” All levels of WHO will need to work with partners from other sectors to combat poverty and hunger if the millennium development goals and the Okinawa 2000 and Johannesburg summit goals are to be achieved.
What will you do to champion the needs of the developing world?
I believe that the director general and WHO should be proactive advocates for equity in health. The realities, achievements, and needs of developing countries and of the dispossessed must be emphasised as part of this advocacy. Through keeping health at the top of the development agenda, we will also champion the needs of the developing world. To be an effective advocate, WHO must have a positive image built on a strong foundation of expertise, capability, and transparent and efficient management. I commit myself to strongly encourage and support countries to design pro-poor health strategies.
What will you do to change the culture of WHO so that there is greater openness, communication, and internal debate?
My management and leadership style will be modern and participatory, and I will always seek dialogue with interested parties in the decision making process. In particular, I will actively seek the views of member states and of WHO staff at all levels. One of my highest priorities will be to ensure that the staff are recognised, supported, and respected.
What kind of reform is needed to WHO's regional structure? How will you achieve this?
I firmly believe that WHO's structure must reflect interdependence within our own organisation. We shall have one WHO and not seven. To achieve this goal we should undertake a broad consultation within the organisation and with the member states. Regional directors will be asked to contribute to this debate, and they will be part of my core executive team.
What new ideas do you have for funding the organisation's core activities?
My main strategy to raise more funds for core activities will be through seeking wide ranging partnerships. I believe that the key to effective fund raising is the promotion and development of transparent and efficient managerial practices that will enhance the image and the credibility of the organisation.
What rules or policies should there be to govern WHO's partnerships?
I will work towards defining clear criteria for the establishment of public-private partnerships, including their governance and, above all, to clarify how these partnerships relate to each other and to the attempts by countries to develop integrated and sustainable health systems.
Will you repeat the controversial exercise of comparing health systems worldwide?
I support the continued assessment of health system performance, unless the assembly decides otherwise.
