World Health Body Elects New Leader
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GENEVA — Dr. Hiroshi Nakajima of Japan was elected director general of the World Health Organization, succeeding Dr. Halfdan Mahler of Denmark, who held the post for 15 years.
The appointment of Nakajima, 59, a specialist in the effects of drugs on the mind, was approved unanimously by representatives of the 157 member nations attending WHO’s annual general assembly, the organization announced Thursday. He begins his five-year term July 21.
In his acceptance speech, Nakajima cited health problems facing the world including AIDS, environmental pollution, the burden of aging and the lack of safe drinking water and sanitation.
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