Assuming the mantle: the balancing act facing the new WHO Director-General

This is the first in a series of articles on leadership in international health. In November 2006 a new Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) will be elected to replace Lee Jong-wook who died earlier this year. The process for selecting the new leader, which began in early summer, has invariably been a highly political one. The job offers the incumbent the opportunity to influence global health at the highest level but it is also a heavily demanding role requiring skilful balancing of diverse needs, priorities and interests. Thus, as well as vision and sound technical expertise, the winning candidate should be armed with the skills of a diplomat, negotiator and leader. The first challenge facing the new Director-General is deciding where WHO should target its efforts given