The top job, a tough job

In his hands Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of Ethiopia was voted Director-General of the World Health Organization on Tuesday, the first African to head the agency. “All roads lead to universal coverage. This will be my central priority,” he told health ministers at the WHO’s annual assembly after his election. He also promised to respond to future global health emergencies “rapidly and effectively”. Dr. Tedros takes over the reins at a time when the cash-strapped public health body is facing flak for having spent nearly $200 million on travel expenses, more than its spends on AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined.

In his hands: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of Ethiopia was voted Director-General of the World Health Organization on Tuesday, the first African to head the agency. “All roads lead to universal coverage. This will be my central priority,” he told health ministers at the WHO’s annual assembly after his election. He also promised to respond to future global health emergencies “rapidly and eectively”. Dr. Tedros takes over the reins at a time when the cash-strapped public health body is facing flak for having spent nearly $200 million on travel expenses, more than its spends on AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. * REUTERS