DR CARISSA Etienne was on Tuesday named regional director for the Americas of the World Health Organisation (WHO) by the WHO executive board, which is holding its 132nd session this week in Geneva.

Etienne was elected director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) by the countries of the Americas last September during the 28th Pan American Sanitary Conference. PAHO serves as the regional office for the Americas of WHO (WHO/AMRO).

Five-year term

Etienne will begin her five-year term as PAHO director and WHO regional director on February 1, succeeding Dr Mirta Roses Periago of Argentina.

"I believe strongly that good health is rooted in equity, universality, solidarity and inclusiveness," said Etienne in her acceptance speech. "I have learned that universal health coverage is not only the best way to improve the health of every citizen in a country - but that it is entirely feasible."

Etienne, a Dominican, holds degrees in medicine and surgery from the University of the West Indies, as well as a master's in community health and an honorary diploma in public health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.