25/1/2002
British MEP Appointed World Health Organisation Envoy to Mid-East

A British Member of the European Parliament, Baroness Emma Nicholson of Winterbourne, with wide experience of the Middle East, has been appointed as the World Health Organisation's Envoy on Health, Peace and Development for the agency's Eastern Mediterranean Region which includes Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, the Arabian Peninsula and north Africa.

Baroness Nicholson has a long and outstanding political career, both as a member of the British House of Lords and as a Member of the European Parliament. She has long been engaged in humanitarian activities, including child health and development in Eastern and Central Europe and in emergency health care programmes in Lebanon and Iraq. She has also visited Afghanistan and Iran several times recently.

As Envoy to the World Health Organisation Baroness Nicholson will promote health as a tool for peace and development. She is expected to travel extensively reporting her findings to the European Parliament as well as to the agency whom she will also advise on particular health needs.

"This is an exciting opportunity for me to contribute what I can towards peace and development in the region," said Baroness Nicholson as she accepted the position. "The health needs of the Afghan people - whether within the country or outside its borders as refugees - are enormous. Improving health services will be a crucial part of rebuilding the country and improving stability and dignity for the Afghan people."

"We are delighted that Baroness Nicholson has agreed to take on this task," said WHO Director-General, Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland. "We need to spread understanding and support for the need to invest in health as a key component of the rebuilding effort for countries suffering from armed conflict. Baroness Nicholson will bring this message to those who can make a difference."

Baroness Nicholson currently serves as Vice President of the European Parliament's Committee for Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Defence and Security Policy. She was created a life peer in 1997.