WHO hot seat: Health minister backs Dr Nishtar for win

ISLAMABAD: After former minister for health Sania Nishtar managed to win in the first round of elections for the new global head of the World Health Organisation (WHO), she received backing from the incumbent health minister.

“This is a moment of pride for Pakistan,” said State Minister for Health Saira Afzal Tarar on Thursday who was in Geneva to campaign for Pakistan’s bid for the top UN position.

Tarar said that this first-stage win raised immensely the prestige of the nation. “The vote reflects the confidence of the global community in Pakistan that has made major advancements during the last three years in a range of areas,” Tarar added.

Pakistan has been backing the candidacy of Dr Nishtar for the post of WHO chief as the country’s official candidate. On Wednesday, she secured 28 votes out of an electoral college comprising 34 members beating off competition from UK’s candidate, Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals Dr David Nabarro who could secure only 18 votes.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 27^th, 2017.