Understanding WHO Appointments in 2018

The question asks about a significant appointment made in the World Health Organisation (WHO) as of February 2018. Specifically, it seeks to identify the Indian paediatrician appointed as the Deputy Director General (Programmes) within this global health body. Understanding key appointments in international organisations like the WHO is important for general knowledge and current affairs.

The Role of Deputy Director General (Programmes) at WHO

The Deputy Director General is a high-level position within the World Health Organisation, assisting the Director General in leading the organisation's work. The specific role of Deputy Director General (Programmes) involves overseeing and guiding the various health programmes and initiatives run by the WHO globally. This role requires significant expertise in public health and program implementation.

Identifying the Appointee in February 2018

As of February 2018, a notable Indian paediatrician was indeed appointed to the position of Deputy Director General (Programmes) at the World Health Organisation. Research and official announcements from that period confirm this appointment.

• The individual appointed was Dr. Soumya Swaminathan.
• Dr. Swaminathan is an Indian paediatrician and a globally recognised researcher on tuberculosis and HIV.
• Before this WHO role, she served as the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Her appointment to such a senior position at the WHO highlighted her expertise and contribution to global health research and policy.

Analyzing the Options

Let's briefly look at the provided options:

• Dr. Indira Hinduja: Known for her work in infertility treatment.
• Dr. SI Padmavati: Renowned cardiologist, considered India's first female cardiologist.
• Dr. Kamini Rao: A pioneer in assisted reproduction.
• Dr. Soumya Swaminathan: An Indian paediatrician and researcher, who served as DG of ICMR before her WHO appointment.

Based on the information about the appointment of an Indian paediatrician as Deputy Director General (Programmes) in WHO as of February 2018, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan fits this description precisely.

Conclusion on the WHO Deputy Director General Appointment

The question specifically asks for the Indian paediatrician appointed as the Deputy Director General (Programmes) in the World Health Organisation (WHO) as of February 2018. Based on the analysis, the individual who held this significant role at that time was Dr. Soumya Swaminathan.

Revision Table: Key WHO Appointment Details

Additional Information: About Dr. Soumya Swaminathan and WHO

• Dr. Soumya Swaminathan later served as the Chief Scientist at the World Health Organisation from 2019 to 2022.
• Her work has focused on areas like tuberculosis, HIV, and tropical diseases, contributing significantly to research and public health policy.
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Founded in 1948, its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.
• The WHO plays a crucial role in coordinating international health efforts, monitoring health trends, providing technical support, and setting health standards.