Margaret Chan

Margaret Chan is a Chinese public servant, born on August 21, 1947, in Hong Kong. She is best known for her role as the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), a position she held from January 2007 to January 2017. During her tenure at the WHO, she focused on global health issues such as pandemic preparedness, infectious diseases, and the rise of non-communicable diseases.

Before joining the WHO, Chan had a distinguished career in public health in Hong Kong, where she served in various positions, including Director of Health for the Hong Kong government. Her leadership in managing public health crises, such as the H1N1 pandemic and the Ebola outbreak, has been notable.

Chan is recognized for her significant contributions to global public health, and she remains an influential figure in health policy discussions worldwide.

Let me know if you'd like more details about her work or impact!

Articles by the author

SARS was a very important event... And many countries have learned from SARS... The SARS event sort of gave them additional impetus and the sense of urgency for them to really revise the International Health Regulations.

Margaret Chan

For the first time in history we can track the evolution of a pandemic in real time. Influenza viruses are notorious for their rapid mutation and unpredictable behaviour.

Margaret Chan

New diseases like SARS and bird flu cause anxiety in the community. People get worried, some to the extent that it even affects their health. You feel very sad, and yet you must carry on and maintain your cool in very trying and difficult moments. You have to tough it out.

Margaret Chan

The unique nature about the influenza virus is its great potential for changes, for mutation.

Margaret Chan

What amazes me most is that the media and I have fostered a close relationship.

Margaret Chan