Understanding the World Health Organization (WHO) and its Leadership

The question asks about the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) as of February 2021. The Director-General is the WHO's chief technical and administrative officer and oversees its international health work.

Identifying the WHO Director-General in February 2021

Let's look at the options provided and determine who held the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization in February 2021.

• Margaret Chan: Dr. Margaret Chan served as the Director-General of the WHO from 2007 to 2017. She was not the Director-General in February 2021.
• Roberto Azevedo: Roberto Azevedo was the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), not the WHO. He left this position in August 2020.
• Christine Lagarde: Christine Lagarde is a prominent figure in international finance. She served as the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and is currently the President of the European Central Bank (ECB). She is not associated with the leadership of the WHO.
• Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was elected as Director-General of the WHO in July 2017. He assumed office on 1 July 2017 and was serving in this role in February 2021.

Based on the tenure of the individuals listed, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was the Director-General of the World Health Organization in February 2021.

Revision Table: Key International Leaders

Additional Information: World Health Organization Facts

• The WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
• It was established on 7 April 1948.
• Its headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland.
• The WHO works to combat diseases, promote health, respond to emergencies, and set international health standards.
• The Director-General is appointed for a five-year term and can be re-appointed once.