I have a reputation for being a straight-talker.

All countries should immediately now activate their pandemic preparedness plans. Countries should remain on high alert for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia.

Everyone needs to remember that Ebola was not a worst-case scenario. Preparedness for the future means preparedness for a very severe disease that spreads via the airborne route or can be transmitted during the incubation period, before an infected person shows telltale signs of illness.

When WHO works with the private sector, the Organization takes all possible measures to ensure its work to develop policy and guidelines is protected from industry influence.

We should never forget the government should be held accountable for providing services.

I am personally overseeing changes that include the establishment of a global health emergency workforce.

Tobacco is the only industry that produces products to make huge profits and at the same time damage the health and kill their consumers.