Margaret Chan

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

— Margaret Chan

This change to a higher phase of alert is a signal to governments, to ministries of health and other ministries, to the…

— Margaret Chan

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

— Margaret Chan

Influenza pandemics must be taken seriously, precisely because of their capacity to spread rapidly to every country in the world.

— Margaret Chan

The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, and the related Accra Agenda for Action, are useful policy instruments that set out the mutual…

— Margaret Chan

I have a reputation for being a straight-talker.

— Margaret Chan

The possible impact of the virus [Zika] an extraordinary event and a public health threat to other parts of the world.

— Margaret Chan

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

— Margaret Chan

I think U.N. organizations are important organizations. They exist for good reasons. And we also admit that there is room for us…

— Margaret Chan

SARS was a very important event... And many countries have learned from SARS... The SARS event sort of gave them additional impetus…

— Margaret Chan

Based on assessment of all available information and following several expert consultations, I have decided to raise the current level of influenza…

— Margaret Chan

Many diseases including malaria, dengue, meningitis - just a few examples - these are what we call climate-sensitive diseases, because such climate…

— Margaret Chan

New and emerging infections keep coming back and the world needs a collective defense system, and that requires international cooperation and collaboration,…

— Margaret Chan

WHO has a country office in nearly every developing country, usually located close to the Ministry of Health. Staff in these offices…

— Margaret Chan

When you're dealing with new and emerging diseases, you have no idea and you can't predict in advance what would happen.

— Margaret Chan

Pandemic influenza is by nature an international issue; it requires an international solution.

— Margaret Chan

...we hope to stop the transmission in six to nine months

— Margaret Chan

A severe disease that transmits easily will leave very little international surge capacity as most countries will need their own staff and…

— Margaret Chan

The WHO is the lead agency in health in the United Nations system, and clearly we have very important functions to play.

— Margaret Chan

I want us to be judged by the impact we have on the health of the people of Africa and the health…

— Margaret Chan

Antimicrobial resistance is on the rise in Europe and elsewhere in the world. We are losing our first-line antimicrobials. Replacement treatments are…

— Margaret Chan

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

— Margaret Chan

HIV AIDS is a disease with stigma. And we have learned with experience, not just with HIV AIDS but with other diseases,…

— Margaret Chan

Mexico is a safe, as well as a beautiful and warmly gracious, place to visit.

— Margaret Chan

Avoid activities outdoor. If you like to take an afternoon nap sleep under bed net. So these are measures that can be…

— Margaret Chan