WHO head concerns about funding shortfall

The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) says funding shortfalls are threatening the progress that has been made in combating diseases around the world.



Dr Margaret Chan says a number of achievements in public health were made last year, including the launch of a new affordable meningitis vaccine developed in record time.



But Dr Chan has expressed concern about the possible impact of the global financial crisis and economic downturn on public health.



She said AIDS and tuberculosis treatment programmes are some of the key areas under threat by shortfalls in funding.