The deliberately provocative tone of this question prompted a strong reaction from most candidates: they all insist WHO is more relevant in global health now than ever, thanks to the high profile of health on the global political stage-a fact Margaret Chan (China) believes is testament to WHO's success. This changing environment is, according-to Pekka Puska (Finland), a tremendous opportunity. But is WHO ready to capitalise on this enthusiasm for health?Alfred Palacio Gonzalez (Ecuador) thinks the multilateralism of WHO-which, like most other UN agencies, has almost 200 member states-means it is the only body that can muster the unity needed among member states and governments to guarantee high levels of health worldwide. WHO is fortunate to have the confidence of governments, points out Bernard Kouchner (France), who believes that this endorsement means the agency is in a unique position to push forward its objectives. Chan believes WHO's recordof marshalling technical expertise fast is what makes WHOunique and essential in global health. "No other international or national agency can get to an outbreak scene within 24 hours", she says.
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