Dr Singh was elected as the Regional Director, South East Asian Regional Organisation (SEARO) in September 2013 after a gap of 44 years. India had occupied the post from 1948 – 1968, but since 1968 India has not occupied the post of the Regional Director of SEARO.
Dr Poonam Singh is an acknowledged public health specialist and administrator with vast experience and recognition in public health and the UN system.
She has been Executive Director, Sustainable Development and Healthy Environments, WHO/HQ, Geneva, 1998 –2000 and Deputy Regional Director, WHO SEARO 2000 – 2013.
Dr. Singh has international experience as Project Officer, World Bank, Resident Mission in India: 1987-1989. At National level she has been the Advisor, International Health, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India from 1st March 2013.
She has also been Secretary, (1994-1995 and 1996-1997) and Joint Secretary (1984-1986), Department of Health & Family Welfare Punjab, India.
The South East Asian Regional Organisation (SEARO) is one of the six regions of WHO with its HQ in New Delhi, India. SEARO has 11 countries, namely, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Timor Leste and DPR Korea. SEARO is headed by a Regional Director (RD) who is elected by the members of the SEARO countries.
The RD has a term of five years and, though elections are held, customarily, the RD gets a second term. The previous incumbent, Dr. Samlee Plianbangchang, from Thailand served for 10 years (two consecutive terms since 2004).
