Why it in news?

• The World Health Organization (WHO)  appointed Soumya Swaminathan one of two deputy directors general
• first time such a post has been ever created within the organisation.
• The position is also the highest post held by an Indian in the WHO.
• Dr. Swaminathan is currently the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Renowned for TB work

• Dr. Swaminathan is a paediatrician and a globally-recognised researcher on tuberculosis and HIV, who has over 30 years of experience in clinical care and research.
• From 2009 to 2011, according to the WHO, she also served as Coordinator of the UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) in Geneva. 

WHO

• The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international public health.
• It was established on 7 April 1948, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.