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

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.

The international community should treat this as a window of opportunity to ramp up preparedness and response.

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

We need to empower women. Give women a voice in the decision-making process. Give women a political voice where they can champion, for their own welfare. And, of course, for us. United Nations - organizations, agencies - we need to do our part.

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

All experts on WHO advisory groups for developing norms, standards and guidelines are required to disclose interests regarding the advisory committee's area of work. If a declared interest is potentially significant, then the expert is either excluded from the meeting or given a restricted role.