23 May 2012: The 65th session of the World Health Assembly has appointed Margaret Chan for a second five-year term as Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).

In her acceptance speech, Chan highlighted as priorities for her second term: health systems and capacity building; chronic noncommunicable diseases, mental health and disabilities; health security; health development for poverty reduction; access to medical products; and improving WHO performance through reform.

She also expressed her commitment to improving health of women, including the prevention of domestic violence, as well as to initiatives to improve health in Africa. Noting the benefits of universal health care and health improvements in several countries that have recently adopted universal health care systems, she underlined that universal health care is the best way to achieve fair and efficient access to health services in all countries.

The 65th session of the World Health Assembly is convening from 21-26 May 2012, in Geneva, Switzerland . [WHO Press Release] [Maragaret Chan’s Acceptance Speech]