The WHO is the lead agency in health in the United Nations system, and clearly we have very important functions to play.

Influenza pandemics must be taken seriously precisely because of their capacity to spread rapidly to every country in the world.

For the first time in history, we can track the evolution of a pandemic in real-time... Influenza viruses are notorious for their rapid mutation and unpredictable behaviour.

All countries should immediately now activate their pandemic preparedness plans. Countries should remain on high alert for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia.

The international community should treat this as a window of opportunity to ramp up preparedness and response.

Pandemic influenza is by nature an international issue; it requires an international solution.

The unique nature about the influenza virus is its great potential for changes, for mutation.

HIV AIDS is a disease with stigma. And we have learned with experience, not just with HIV AIDS but with other diseases, countries for many reasons are sometimes hesitant to admit they have a problem.

Health system development is a key to effective detection, response, and control of any outbreak.

I have a reputation for being a straight-talker.

Tobacco is the only industry that produces products to make huge profits and at the same time damage the health and kill their consumers.

Ideas rarely come out whole. They change as they get brought to life. New constraints appear, new directions suggest themselves, and new influences come to bear.

For the others, it was still just a tale, like all the tales we told, night by night, tales comical and strange, tales heroic and awe-inspiring, the tales that formed the fabric of our spirits.

Once you are at the point where you can call yourself a writer, there’s no turning back.

What if you have all the pieces and the puzzle still doesn't fit?

In complete darkness, it is only knowledge and wisdom that separates us.

There were incredibly few rock songs making it out to the airwaves until the '80s came along.

I always trust my gut reaction; it's always right.

Mine's [fans] a lot of like weird guys in prison. So I don't need to answer them.

Firing employees, that's unfortunately part of doing business.

Our reporters do not cover stories from their point of view. They are presenting them from nobodys point of view.