The Magazine of the Association of Former WHO Staff Members (AFSM)

AFSM Quarterly News October 2020 QNT 121

The magazine of the Association of Former WHO Staff Members (AFSM)

Supporting former staff and helping them to stay in touch and informed

The “Jet d’Eau”. This fountain is one of Geneva's iconic landmarks. It was turned off during the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic and was restarted in early June. But what has that got to do with WHO? Turn to page 13 to find out.

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A reminder to complete and return the 2020 Certificate of Entitlement to the PENSION FUND This year, the Certificates of Entitlement (CEs) were mailed out in batches starting at the end of June, so please ensure that you return the signed form. Those on the dollar track also have the possibility to download it from their Member Self-Service (MSS) space, then, just follow the instructions to return it. Remember to have it forwarded to you if you are not currently residing at the address provided to the Pension Fund. If you need to contact the pension fund about CEs or other matters you can do this on the MSS or via the Toll-Free and Local Numbers. Remember to always have your Unique ID number handy when contacting UNJSPF. The Pension Fund has continued to expand its initiative to establish Toll-Free (TF) and Local Numbers (LN) to connect callers directly to its Call Centre. These numbers are now available in the following countries from 7am to 7pm (New York Time).

ARGENTINA 08006661985TF COSTA RICA 50625397676LN

AUSTRALIA 1800986631TF COTE D’IVOIRE 22522468995LN

AUSTRIA 0800100485TF CROATIA 3858007374TF

BANGLADESH 8809610998424TF CYPRUS 35780080804TF

BELGIUM 080058539TF CZECH 800022965TF REPUBLIC BENIN 22961509856LN DENMARK 80400313TF

BOSNIA AND 38770311081LN ECUADOR 1800000992TF HERZEGOVINA BRAZIL 08007248292TF EGYPT* 208000009863TF

*Please note that the Egyptian Number is only accessible from Egypt Telecom’s fixed network BULGARIA 080011044TF FINLAND 0800525080TF

BURKINA FASO 22625300984LN FRANCE 0805981170TF

CAMEROON 237697777888LN GERMANY 08006279988TF

CANADA 1-833-817-5824TF GHANA 233242426448LN

CHILE 12300204643TF GREECE 302119906055LN

CHINA 861056971367LN GUATEMALA 50222337199LN

COLOMBIA 018005183130TF HUNGARY 0680180460TF

Continued on inside back cover

Toll-Free (TF) and Local Numbers (LN)

Please note that, in certain countries, calls made to Toll-Free Numbers through mobile phones may be subject to local charges.

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CONTENTS EDITORIAL

Our Health 4 We sincerely hope that our readers and their families have all stayed SHI – Global Oversight Committee 6 safe from Covid-19 during the continuing pandemic. In fact, the Pension Fund update 7 pandemic is now beginning to have an impact on the Quarterly News Pension Fund Office in Geneva 9 as we have fewer social activities to report. Beirut, Lebanon 9 Nevertheless, SHI and Pension business continued, often virtually, AFSM during the pandemic 10 News from WHO 11 and with staff working from home. We owe thanks to Ann Van Hulle New AFSM members 13 for her report on the Global Oversight Committee (GOC) of the Staff Readers’ Recipes 14 Health Insurance (page 6), and to Barbara Fontaine for her research WHO Art Catalogue 14 on how the Pension Fund has fared in the face of Covid-19 (page 7). News from around the world 15 Your committee has also been working from home and holding In Memoriam 19 regular virtual committee meetings. An update of the activities Readers’ Letters 23 appears on page 10 and includes three important pieces of Geneva and the year without a information, which we hope you will read. Summer 25 Congratulations to WHO on a significant achievement which has gone largely unnoticed among the dramas of Covid-19: the WHO African Region has been certified as wild polio-free after four years without a case. Only two countries worldwide continue to experience wild poliovirus transmission. (See News from WHO, page 13) Keith Wynn EDITORIAL BOARD IMPORTANT CONTACTS Keith Wynn, Editor-in-Chief and layout, AFSM: Office 4141, WHO, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland. Tel.: +41 (0) 22 791 3192 Yves Beigbeder, Sue Block Tyrrell, or E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]. The AFSM office is covered on Laura Ciaffei, David Cohen, Tuesdays from 9:30 to 12:00. Alternatively, please leave a message and someone Maria Dweggah, Lindsay Martinez, will call you back. Website: https://who.int/formerstaff/en/. Resources for Jean-Paul Menu, Dev Ray, retirement: visit the site, https://www.who.int/formerstaff/issues/retirement/en/. Rosemary Villars. Formalities in case of death of a former WHO staff member: visit the AFSM website, https://www.who.int/formerstaff/about/en/ The translation of all articles is Health Insurance (SHI): Tel.: +41 (0) 22 791 18 18; in case of absence please leave a undertaken by the Editorial Board and message, someone will call you back, or send an e-mail to: [email protected]. The HQ SHI Helpdesk in office 2140 is open as follows: Monday: 1–3pm / Tuesday: 9–11am Catherine d’Arcangues, Michèle Evans and 1–3pm / Wednesday: Closed / Thursday: 9–11am and 1–3pm / Friday: 9–11am. and Anne Yamada. Pensions (UNJSPF): Contact by e-mail is no longer possible. Visitors between 09.00 The opinions expressed in this and 17.00 Monday to Friday except Thursday, at the Geneva office, Du Pont de Nemours Building, Chemin du Pavillon 2, 1218 Grand-Saconnex, at the New York newsletter are those of the authors and office, 4th floor, 1 Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza (DHP), Corner of 48th Street and 2nd not necessarily those of the Editorial Avenue, New York, NY 10017. Write via the “Contact us” link on the Fund’s website: Board. https://www.unjspf.org. Documents for NY by post, address to: United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, c/o United Nations, P.O. Box 5036, New York, NY 10163- Please send your contributions for 5036, USA. Documents for NY by courier (DHL, etc.) or registered mail, address to: publication in QNT to: Keith Wynn United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, 4th floor, 1 DHP, 885 Second Avenue, New [email protected] York, NY 10017, USA. Documents for Geneva, address to: UNJSPF, c/o Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland. Telephone: Geneva: +41 (0) 22 928 88 00 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS or New York: +1 212 963 6931. See also the list of Toll-Free and local numbers at https://www.unjspf.org/toll-free-numbers/. In the case of non-receipt of the We very gratefully acknowledge the monthly benefit or the death of a beneficiary, visit the website: invaluable support of the Printing, https://www.unjspf.org/emergency/ for instructions. Distribution, and Mailing Services. Remember to always have your Unique ID number handy when contacting UNJSPF.

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OUR HEALTH

Gout, an ailment increasing in prevalence

Gout is a common chronic disease associated with uric acid metabolism, the most characteristic clinical manifestation of which is acute arthritis of the big toe. It is most often associated with an increase in the level of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia) which accumulates in the form of sodium urate in several sites of the body including the joints (gout arthritis), the skin (tophus) and the kidneys (nephropathy), which can lead to disabling joint destruction and kidney failure.

Big toe affected by gout; accumulation of sodium urate in the joint

Uric acid is the end product of the purine metabolic pathway (adenine and guanine, essential elements for the synthesis of nucleic acid, appearing particularly in the composition of RNA and DNA).

Prevalence and incidence of gout Gout is the most common inflammatory rheumatism in men. Epidemiological studies show a marked increase in the prevalence of gout in Western societies during the last few decades, as well as in China and in New Zealand. In Europe it affects around 1.5% of the population. In the United States the prevalence of this pathology is about 4%, especially after 75 years of age.

Causes The exact cause of gout remains unknown. A genetic factor is likely, in view of the frequency of hereditary forms and its prevalence in males: 80% of gout sufferers are male. In men over 40 years of age it is the most common inflammatory joint disease. Women are protected from gout by their female sex hormones until menopause. Generally, gout first occurs in women between the ages of 55 and 60. Lifestyle plays an important role in the incidence of gout: being overweight, regular consumption of alcohol, beer with or without alcohol, food rich in purines (red meat and offal), shellfish, "soft drinks" sweetened with fructose1, hypertension, sedentary lifestyle, certain drugs (diuretics, antihypertensives, beta blockers). However, hyperuricemia does not automatically result in gout (in the population one case of gout occurs for every ten cases of hyperuricemia). On the other hand, skimmed dairy products, coffee and vitamin C would appear to have a protective effect.

1 The role of fructose in gout was identified only a few years ago (Mega-study, published in 2008 in the BMJ, by the Arthritis Research Centre of Canada, Vancouver.)

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Management of gout The sudden onset of acute articular gout is the prime reason for consulting a physician. Typically, it occurs during the night, triggered by consumption of a heavy meal and alcohol in the evening. It affects the joint of the big toe, but can involve any other joint as well. Left untreated, urate crystal deposits build up. They can trigger new seizures, and involve other joints, causing irreversible joint damage leading to chronic joint pain. The therapeutic management of gout includes both a symptomatic element and a basic treatment. It is important to measure the effectiveness of the treatment in bringing the level of urate to <60 mg/l (<300 µmol/l).

Treatment of an acute onset of gout There are several options: • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which should be given in a sufficient dose from the start of treatment, • Colchicine, a well known medicament, is very effective when administered early (within the first 36 hours) while being aware of possible reactions with other drugs, • Corticosteroids taken orally, or by intra-articular injection when administered by experienced medical staff, or by intramuscular injection, •Ergotherapy for pain relief.

Basic treatment: •Following a healthy lifestyle: diet, physical exercise • Hypo-uricemic treatments (allopurinol), which act upstream by preventing the accumulation of urate deposits. Bringing uratemia (sodium urate crystals in the blood) to a normal level is the ultimate goal of the therapeutic approach to the patient with gout. The lower the uratemia level, the more quickly the deposits will be resorbed: while there are deposits present the patient is not immune to a new acute onset of gout.

Dr David Cohen

Sources: Rev Med Switzerland 2006; volume 2.30888 www.mayoclinic.org/.../con-20019400 N Engl J Med 2003; 349:1647-55 and many other sites

COVID-19 AFFECTING THE QUARTERLY NEWS

A call for your Covid contributions

As mentioned in the editorial, the pandemic is restrictions, your stories on how you have coped having an impact on the Quarterly News because where you live. If you have spent time with there are fewer social activities to report, along handicrafts, painting, sketching, or taking photos with the corresponding photos. We would like to during these strange times, we would be delighted invite our readers to tell us how they have spent to receive electronic copies. Help us fill up the their time during the pandemic. Share with other January issue! readers your thoughts on confinement and The Editorial Board

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SHI – GLOBAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (GOC)

Global Oversight Committee of the Staff Health Insurance

The Global Oversight Committee (GOC) of the Staff variables included in actuarial projections, the Health Insurance (SHI) met on 9 June 2020. This situation could change. This is why a regular was its fifteenth meeting since its establishment. review takes place. The current SHI rules The Committee advises the Director-General on (paragraphs F.8.2 and F.8.3) require that a reserve policy matters related to the SHI. In view of Covid- be maintained to cover that portion of ASHI claims 19, the majority participated by video-conference which will not be covered by contributions received which worked extremely well. In view of the from both the Organization and participants in exceptional circumstances, the agenda was limited respect of such persons (i.e. actuarial shortfall or to a few important items. It is foreseen to have deficit). Total assets of the Fund at the end of more frequent meetings during the Covid-19 period 2019 amounted to USD 1.1 billion which is more so that all matters requiring the attention of the than sufficient to meet those reserve requirements Committee can be dealt with. The agenda included at this point in time. Nevertheless, it is important the following items: to project forward and ensure that the full liability • SHI Annual Report for 2019 is financed over a 20-year period. These definitions • Actuarial Study of liability, actuarial deficits etc. may seem • SHI contributions technical and abstract. Suffice it to say that the • External Audit Report SHI Governance keeps a close watch on the • SHI/GOC composition financial situation of the Fund. With the help of • Update of SHI functions during Covid-19 the actuaries, it endeavours to ensure that sufficient funds will be available in the future to SHI Annual Report for 20191 meet expenses. Highlights of the report were presented. The The assets are invested in fixed income securities, results for the year were good with an overall equities, and a part which is held in cash. The increase in net assets of USD 180.5 million. These investments are managed by external fund results can be explained mainly by a surplus of managers and performance is closely monitored by contributions over claims and a good return on a team of independent expert advisors on the investments. WHO Advisory Committee. The yield on investments in 2019 was good and outperformed The funding ratio of the after-service health the portfolio benchmarks. insurance (ASHI) liability had improved (42% at the end of 2019 compared to 39% at the end of 2018). The annual report includes financial statements In accounting terms, the net ASHI liability which the and other information guided by IPSAS Organization reflects in its financial statements is (International Public Sector Accounting Standards). the projected total cost of ASHI claims less the In my opinion, additional information on claims contributions expected from the participants would be useful and permit a more detailed themselves. This liability is partly financed by the analysis by type of expenditure. The Secretariat Organization’s share of annual contributions. The agreed to provide such information separately net actuarial liability is currently estimated at USD from the annual report in future years. 2.7 billion. The actuaries project that this liability should be funded by 2035 (based on agreed rates of SHI Contributions contributions). However, as there are many The GOC discussed various solutions to cover the projected unfunded portion of the ASHI liability. 1 The annual report once issued is available on SHI Online The Committee recommended to the Director-

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General that the portion of the ASHI liability which about 8 years ago. The Director-General approved is not covered by the regular contributions of the the Committee’s recommendations in this regard. participants and the Organization (one third/two Consequently, the former staff will henceforth be thirds) should be financed by the Organization. represented by two members (instead of one This would avoid constant increases in the annual member and one alternate until now). contributions of the participants. The Director- General has approved this recommendation. Update of SHI functions during Covid-19 Due to the limited time available, there was only a External Audit Report brief discussion on this item. The Secretariat The Secretariat updated the GOC on the managed very well to provide services to all recommendations of the External Auditor and the participants by means of teleworking when the HQ status on implementation. building was closed. Indeed, we received many positive comments from former staff who SHI/GOC composition appreciated the prompt settlement of their claims The Secretariat presented a proposal to the GOC and direct payments. for a revised membership of the Committee. The proposal was mainly aimed at giving all Regions a Other better representation and also takes into account The GOC is scheduled to meet again in October over the increase in the number of former staff who a two-day period. participate in SHI since the GOC was established Ann Van Hulle

PENSION FUND UPDATE

Covid-19 and the Pension Fund

Perhaps a question on some QNT readers’ minds is June. If, by the time you read this article your how the Pension Fund is faring during the Covid-19 2020 CE has not yet arrived, there is no need to be pandemic, and particularly how it fared during the concerned. There is always a second mailing early lockdown. The short answer is: the Fund has been in the fall. In addition, one can consult the UNJSPF productive in meeting its administrative obligations website https://www.unjspf.org/certificate-of- and has maintained a flourishing investment entitlement/ for some useful information on CEs. portfolio. It has soldiered on with “business as One of the outcomes of the pandemic was the usual” thanks, in part, to the hi-tech infrastructure highlighted need for digitalized documents. firmly in place. Staff teleworking from home since Although the Fund had already been moving mid-March, both in New York and Geneva although towards increasingly more paperless transactions, Geneva staff are now slowly returning to their teleworking underscored the benefits of dealing offices, have managed to make monthly benefit with digitalized documents. As a result, the Fund payments on time, to continue responding to has started accepting these more readily to ensure stakeholders’ messages and phone calls, and to business continuity, for example, documents such process 90% of first-time beneficiaries within 15 as those required for the separation process, which days. In addition, it undertook a cost-adjustment previously were only submitted in paper form. At a exercise in April. The annual mailing of Certificates recent meeting, Rosemary McClean, the Chief of Entitlement (CE) however was delayed to end Executive of Pension Administration, indicated that

7 AFSM Quarterly News October 2020 QNT 121 the Fund’s priority focus on improving client service management teams that today’s portfolio entailed creating more automated processes, performs so well. He also commented that the last including the use of facial recognition technology. major financial crises in 2007-2008 led to a loss of A successful pilot study was recently carried out in confidence in the markets, whereas the recent 25 countries using facial recognition technology to market instability was due to an economic shut- generate digitalized CEs. In remote areas where down brought on by the pandemic lockdown in many do not have a computer, the connection was most countries, rather than a loss of confidence in successfully made via cell-phones. In the move the financial markets. towards increasingly more paperless transactions, At the end of July, Mr Guazo was officially Ms McClean strongly encouraged retirees to appointed to the position of RSG. register at the Member Self-Service (MSS) https://www.unjspf.org/member-self-service/ if The Ageing Fund, Ageing Retirees they have not yet done so. By the way, if your pension is not on the local track, you can access the Not only is the Fund maturing with a much slower annual CE directly at the MSS. increase in the number of participants as compared to that of beneficiaries, there is as well The investment staff, as well, have carried on with an increasing longevity in the retiree population. business as usual, under the leadership of the From 2000 to 2019, the 70–79 age group doubled acting Representative to the Secretary General, from 12,167 to 23,096, the 80–89 age group Mr Pedro Guazo, who took over the investment tripled from 4,417 to 12,828 and the 90+ group management end March when the previous RSG shows a seven-fold increase from 509 to 3,679. abruptly resigned. Having come to the position With the general trend of a longer retirement, it is during the lockdown phase, the A/RSG shared with comforting, nonetheless, to learn that the 2019 us at a recent information meeting that he had only actuarial values projecting towards 30, 40 and 50 met his staff virtually since all contact has been years show a healthy Fund. electronic, including meetings by way of the latest conferencing technologies such as Zoom. Truly a 67th Pension Board, July 2020 21st century way to work! The UN Pension Board held a virtual Board Since assuming this position, Mr Guazo has meeting for the first time ever with, albeit, a prioritized transparency, particularly of the Fund’s reduced Board agenda. Essential items were investment positions. To this effect, close-of-the- addressed, including financial statements, the week positions are readily available for stakeholder budget and investment performance; other items consultation the following Monday at were relegated to a special Pension Board session https://oim.unjspf.org/investments-at- slated for early 2021. glance/weekly-fund-performance/. Here one can track the Fund’s overall value on a regular basis. Other news from the 2020 meeting is that the Board adopted a Code of Conduct and When the Covid-19 pandemic started spreading last recommended some amendments to its winter and into the spring, world financial markets regulations. It also recommended that the transfer entered into a period of uncertainty and instability. of the financial function from Geneva to the New The Fund’s investment value was not immune to York office be held in abeyance until a further the ensuing gyrations and it fell from USD 72 billion analysis is presented at the next Board session. at end December to a recent low point of USD 63.2 billion at end March. It is reassuring to note that The details of these and other matters will become as of end July, the Fund is valued at almost USD known once the official Pension Board report is 72.5 billion. As Mr Guazo explained, a solid presented to the UN General Assembly later this investment portfolio takes years to build and it is fall. thanks to the good work of past investment Barbara Fontaine

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PENSION FUND OFFICE IN GENEVA

A new development concerning the Geneva Office of the Pension Fund

In the previous issue of Quarterly News (July, QNT120) we informed you that two senior positions in the Pension Office in Geneva had been transferred to New York. Since then we have also learned that the “finance” section of the Geneva office was to be transferred to New York. Our Association along with AAFI-AFICS are very concerned by what we consider to be a further weakening of the Geneva Office which is responsible for the services provided to retirees residing in Europe, Africa and the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean. For many years we have had excellent contacts with the Geneva Office, which helps us resolve the problems that retirees bring to our attention. Despite the assurances given by the new Chief Executive of Pension Administration of the Fund that nothing would change in the services offered to retirees, we nevertheless expressed our concerns. In the article by Barbara Fontaine in this issue (on the preceding page), it is reported that at its July session, the Pension Board decided to pause, pending further analysis, the transfer of financial functions from Geneva to New York, requesting that the results of this further analysis be submitted to the Pension Board session next year. While we cannot prejudge the final outcome, we welcome this decision and we are grateful to the Pension Board.

Jean-Paul Menu

BEIRUT, LEBANON

News from our AFSM member

Readers will recall that on 4 August 2020, a large When the explosion happened, our home (second amount of ammonium nitrate stored at the port of floor in a tower, about 15 km from the explosion) the city of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, exploded, was shaking strongly. I and my wife were having causing at least 181 deaths, 6,000 injuries, dinner, we thought it will be our end. Some things 10–15 billion USD in property damage, and leaving were damaged (glass), but thanks to God, we were an estimated 300,000 people homeless. safe.” AFSM has one member living in Beirut, Dr Khaled Previously, there had been two other members Mneimne. Jean-Paul Menu contacted him in the living in Beirut, Mrs Thérése Abi Jaoudé who hope that he was not affected personally by the passed away on 11 December 2019 (QNT 120, In catastrophe. Fortunately, and despite the Memoriam, page 31) and Dr Nabil Al Tawil who devastation, a reply was received from passed away on 28 April 2020, his death is Dr Mneimne. recorded in this issue, on page 19. “Many, many thanks for your e-mail. First of all, thanks to God none of my family was affected. The AFSM Executive Committee

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AFSM

Your Committee’s activities during the Covid-19 pandemic (continued)

In the July issue we reported on how we were obliged to adapt to this exceptional situation. In Geneva, the confinement period appears to be behind us, however the epidemiological situation, which at first appeared to be improving, is once again a preoccupation, even alarming in some countries. At WHO headquarters, only a portion of the staff have been allowed to return to the offices and they are working under very strict conditions of health security. For our Association, the main change for the better is that we have been allowed to nominate two volunteers – whom we thank – to enter the building and go to our office, but even then, only one at a time. The authorization to work in our office allowed us to upload the last two issues of the Quarterly News on our website. At the time of writing we are still unsure when they can be mailed to you, because the staff of the printing and mail services are only gradually resuming their tasks. The monthly Committee meetings are held virtually by teleconferencing with the support of WHO IT services and we are able to respond to inquiries from our members.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Elections for the renewal of our Committee Taking into account the likely medium-term evolution of the pandemic, we informed you on July 29 (by email only) of the postponement of the elections for the renewal of our Committee until October 2021. Many of you approved this decision and we remind you that if you had already envisaged standing as a candidate for the Committee, we would be delighted to consider your request for co-option without waiting for the elections.

Flu vaccination This year it will not be possible for us to organize our traditional flu vaccination sessions at Headquarters. The logistical problems of ensuring a safe healthy environment are proving insurmountable, both for WHO and for our Association. However, because of Covid-19 it is more important than ever to get vaccinated against the flu.

The annual AFSM reception At our General Assembly in October 2019, it was decided to organize our annual reception in December 2020. This year’s reception was expected to take on a special sparkle because the Director-General had promised us his support for an exceptional evening. Given the uncertainty about the progression of the pandemic over the next three months, we shall be writing to the DG’s Office to seek their advice on the likely situation in December, whether former staff might by then be allowed into the WHO building. This is unlikely; however, we will keep you informed.

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Communications with members who have not provided their email address While we are doing everything possible to serve all our members during the pandemic, we regret that we are unable to communicate electronically with members who have not yet provided us with their email addresses. If you know of any members who do not hear from us, please inform them about our messages.

WHO retirees in the fight against Covid-19 In the previous issue, we mentioned that we had forwarded to you a request from Headquarters for volunteers to help “virtually” fight the pandemic. We have been informed that a total of 741 responses were received, of which 102 names were retained. Despite repeated requests, we have not yet received any information on how many in this total number came from former WHO staff who volunteered nor whether the services of any of them were called upon. So, we would be pleased if those of you who volunteered would share your experiences with us. Thank you in advance.

The AFSM Executive Committee and the Editorial Board of the Quarterly News

NEWS FROM WHO

Highlights of news from WHO

Most of the news of course concerns the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The WHO website gives situation updates, advice for the public, including international travel advice, and for health workers, country and technical guidance, updates on research and development activities and a timeline of WHO’s response to Covid-19. Some key events are highlighted below:

• The entertainment industry has joined WHO in • Another global digital concert and a global the Covid-19 fight, e.g. a video of Mr Bean to summit were held in collaboration with Global promote WHO’s advice on how to stay safe, Citizen and the European Commission to raise Peppa Pig reminding children to “wash, wash, money for and awareness of the international wash your hands” and Gru and the Minions efforts to tackle Covid-19: the two events explaining physical distancing and staying safe at mobilized pledges of USD 1.5 billion in cash grants home. and USD 5.4 billion in loans from governments, • On Olympic Day on 23 June, the International the private sector and foundations. Olympic Committee and WHO and the UN • On 9 July, the DG announced the establishment of launched a partnership to encourage individuals the Independent Panel for Pandemic and communities around the world to be Preparedness and Response to evaluate the #HEALTHYTogether: the three partners and world’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Olympic athletes are spotlighting the global Panel is co-chaired by former Prime Minister of collaboration needed to stay healthy and reduce New Zealand Helen Clark and former President of the spread and impact of Covid-19. Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Operating • Also on 23 June, there was a virtual celebration independently, they will choose the other Panel of the UN Public Service Day, including the UN members as well as members of an independent Secretary-General and the Director-General, to secretariat to provide support. The Panel has honour the public servants working on the been set up at the request of the 73rd World frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic. Health Assembly in May 2020. Regarding the

11 AFSM Quarterly News October 2020 QNT 121 time-frame, Dr Tedros proposed that a special with the International Health Regulations, held its session of the Executive Board be called in fourth meeting. The Committee expressed September to discuss the Panel’s progress and appreciation for WHO and partners’ Covid-19 that an interim report be prepared for pandemic response efforts, and highlighted the November for presentation to the resumed anticipated lengthy duration of this Covid-19 World Health Assembly. The Panel’s work will pandemic, noting the importance of sustained be further discussed at the January 2021 sessionc ommunity, national, regional, and global of the Executive Board, with a substantive reportr esponse efforts. The Committee will be to be presented to the World Health Assembly reconvened again within three months or earlier, in May 2021. at the discretion of the DG. •To recognize health workers in France and • Mid-August, the Director-General made a around the world, the Director-General was passionate call for additional investment into the invited by the President of France to join in the Access to Covid-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, 14 July Bastille Day ceremony in Paris. Health urging world leaders to reject so-called “vaccine ministers from several European countries also nationalism” and invest in the tools needed to ensure fair and equitable allocation globally. “Funding the ACT Accelerator will cost a tiny fraction in comparison to the alternative where economies retreat further and require continued fiscal stimulus packages”. • Under the ACT Accelerator, there is a vaccines pillar – COVAX – co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance and WHO, working in partnership with developed and developing country vaccine manufacturers. It is the only took part. Dr Tedros also joined the leaders of global initiative working to ensure the availability Spain on 16 July to pay homage to those who of Covid-19 vaccines to both higher- and lower- had lost their lives in the country due to Covid- income countries. 172 countries are now 19 and to salute the heroic efforts of health engaged in discussions to potentially participate workers. in COVAX, and its vaccine portfolio includes nine • A Covid-19 Law Lab was launched on 22 July to candidate vaccines, with a further nine under provide vital legal information and support for consideration, and conversations are ongoing the global Covid-19 response, gathering and with other major producers. sharing legal documents from over 190 •World Humanitarian Day 2020 on 19 August paid countries to help states establish and implement tribute to aid workers on the frontlines, many of strong legal frameworks to manage the whom are being tested like never before, often pandemic. The Law Lab is a joint project of under attack, and yet endeavouring to cope with UNDP, UNAIDS, WHO and the O’Neill Institute the massive increase in humanitarian needs for National and Global Health Law at which the Covid-19 pandemic has triggered. Georgetown University. • WHO has launched a dedicated Health Alert • On 24 July, a policy brief was issued on messaging service in Arabic, English, French, preventing and managing Covid-19 across long- Hindi, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese together term care services: in many countries more with WhatsApp and Facebook to keep people than 40% of Covid-19 related deaths have been safe from coronavirus. This easy-to-use linked to long-term care facilities, with figures messaging service has the potential to reach being as high as 80% in some high-income 2 billion people and enables WHO to get countries. information directly into the hands of the people • On 31 July, the Emergency Committee on who need it. Covid-19, convened by the DG in accordance

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Highlights of other news include: • WHO has been working closely with the Lebanese national health authorities, health partners and • On 25 August, the Africa Regional Certification hospitals in Beirut to support victims of the Commission certified the WHO African Regione xplosion on 4 August. A plane, donated by the as wild polio-free after four years without a Government of the United Arab Emirates, carried case. Only two countries worldwide continue 20 tonnes of WHO health supplies to the city on to experience wild poliovirus transmission – 5 August. Pakistan and Afghanistan. • On 22 August, the WHO Centre for Health • In a gesture of appreciation for WHO, in early Development in Kobe, Japan, celebrated its 25th June, the Director-General was invited by the anniversary. City of Geneva to relaunch the iconic Jet d’eau.• On the occasion of World Mental Health Day on th • On 25 June, the 10 Ebola outbreak in the 27 August, WHO, United for Global Mental Health Democratic Republic of the Congo was and the World Federation for Mental Health declared over. stressed the need for a massive scale-up of • Phase 2 of the return of WHO staff to the investment in mental health. Close to 1 billion headquarters’ buildings began on 15 July: two people are living with a mental disorder, 3 million members of the AFSM Executive Committee people die every year from the harmful use of have been granted access to the AFSM office, alcohol and one person dies every 40 seconds by but with the restriction that they should not be suicide. Now, billions of people around the world present at the same time. have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic which is having a further impact on people's mental health. A campaign "Move for mental health: let's invest" was launched in September. • All Regional Committee meetings are taking place virtually: AFRO on 25 August; AMRO on 28–29 September; EMRO on 12–13 October; EURO on 14–15 September; SEARO on 9–10 September; and WPRO on 6–9 October. The resumed 73rd World Health Assembly is planned for 9–14 November, to be followed by the resumed 147th session of the Executive Board on 16 November. Further information and documentation can be found on the WHO website – www.who.int. In early June the city of Geneva showed their appreciation for WHO by asking Director-General Dr Tedros to relaunch the iconic Jet d'eau. Sue Block Tyrrell Dr Tedros took part in a ceremony at the foot of the Jet d’eau to mark the success of the fight against Covid-19 in Geneva.

NEW MEMBERS We have pleasure in welcoming the following members into the AFSM family New Life Members Conversion to Life members Pascale Broisin James Cheyne André Michaud Walter Johnson Joan Griffith Lisa Ravenscroft Olumide Ogundahunsi Gillian Mayers

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READERS’ RECIPES Pumpkin Cake Ingredients Mix oil, eggs, brown sugar, pumpkin and vanilla 2 cups flour (250gr) extract together until well blended. 2 tsp. baking powder Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing 1 tsp. baking soda well. 1 tsp. salt Spread in prepared 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon pan and bake for 30- 1½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice (ground nutmeg, ground 35 minutes. When cloves, ground ginger) cooled, cover with 1 cup vegetable oil frosting. 1 cup brown sugar (150gr) 4 large eggs Frosting 2 cups cooked and drained pumpkin 220 grams cream 1½ tsp. vanilla extract cheese, softened to Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C. room temperature Grease a 9" x 13" pan. 2 tablespoons powder sugar Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ½ tsp. vanilla extract cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice together in a large bowl. Set aside.

WHO ART GALLERY WHO Art Catalogue

Sadly, the Covid-19 pandemic brought the WHO Art Gallery exhibition (see QNT 118 page 27) to a premature close, however the works of art and the stories of their creators will live on in the form of the WHO Art Catalogue. Available in printed and electronic form, the A5 paperback version in full- colour would make a handsome addition to any bookshelf. If you would like your own copy of the catalogue, then you can now purchase it online for EUR 15.50 (the production cost) by clicking here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/alexandra-powers-and-kevin- crampton/who-art-gallery-catalogue-2019/paperback/product-78pjgv.html We have sent a copy to the DG and to the WHO Library for the archives. And if you don’t want a hard copy then you can still browse the catalogue at https://ihr-learning.cld.bz/2019-WHO-Art-Gallery-Catalogue-web-max300 or https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=%21AKw1qQgAU8mERlM&cid=728CE1AE0CA3D23F&id=728CE1AE0 CA3D23F%21227&parId=root&o=OneUp. With thanks again to exhibitors and visitors – I really enjoyed myself throughout the whole process (although the bit in the middle was quite exhausting).

Kevin Crampton (Organizer)

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NEWS FROM FORMER WHO STAFF MEMBERS’ GROUPS AROUND THE WORLD

News from around the world

AFSM-PAHO/AMRO: The Newsletter of June 2020 is now available and, as might be expected, much of this issue has been taken up with Covid-19 and its effects on all of our lives. The editorial by Hernán Rosenberg resumes many of these effects but also touches on the financial position of PAHO, due to non-receipt of contributions from some member countries during the pandemic. In closing the editorial, Hernán makes a plea for members to go on a recruitment drive for new members, to better represent the largest number of former staff, to ensure the continuation of existing services, and to support its members in this changing world. The editorial is followed by a detailed update on Staff Health Insurance and Pension issues by Carol Collado, dominated by Covid-19 news. The issue continues with the series on Health Tips. Gloria Coe has written on the importance of staying connected and physically active in the time of Covid-19. A thoughtful reflection on the pandemic by Sumedha Mona Khanna, “How then shall we live?” which finishes with the question to ourselves, “Do we engage in these dialogues at each level to bring about the needed changes, or do we just return to the Same Old, once the world reopens?”. It is well worth visiting the newsletter website to read these articles, see link below. In Techno-Tips Antonio Hernández gives sound advice on avoiding viruses of a different sort, those that threaten our computers. There is news from the Colombia Chapter by Ricardo Torres, and this is followed by the “Where are they now?” series, this one by, and about, Veta Brown, who retired from PAHO in 2006, but has remained very active. An interesting and informative edition which we recommend you to access online. The Newsletters can be read online in English at https://www.afsmpaho.com/newsletters and in Spanish at https://www.afsmpaho.com/newsletters-spanish Keith Wynn

Our colleagues served by the WHO Retirees’ Representative in Scandinavia have no major news stories to share with us at this time.

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AFSM-Eastern Mediterranean: EMRO and the 60th Anniversary of Egyptian TV. To celebrate the first Egyptian TV broadcast – from “Maspero” in 19601 – many interviews were carried out with those closely associated with broadcasting. Among the guests was a former EMRO colleague, Dr Ibrahim El Kerdany, who was closely associated with Egyptian TV through his regular educational and youth programmes, which drew on his expertise as a Psychiatrist. Dr El Kerdany was also invited by four other TV channels to mark this august and historic occasion. Some readers may recall that Dr Ibrahim El Kerdany was WHO/EMRO Public Information Officer and the Regional Director’s spokesperson until his retirement. Prior to that he worked with UNICEF as Head of the Health and Nutrition Section in Egypt, and it was during this period that he became interested in broadcasting. During the interviews he looked back on his journey and his long contribution to Egyptian TV – recalling the names of all the colleagues he had worked with – and recounting the influence that Egyptian TV had on other Arab Nations. In addition to the experiences he had gained through the various programmes, which he presented with passion and an engaging smile, he sent a message to younger generations. He is multi-lingual and that was his entrance to Egyptian TV with the European Programme. He was later assigned to the Egyptian Panorama programme. He recalled that one of his most difficult assignments was reporting the terrorist attacks in Luxor, Upper Egypt, joining the President and a group of Ministers to express their shock and hurt to the world for what had happened. Also present was the late Omar Sharif, famous Egyptian/international actor who advised Dr El Kerdany in this difficult situation, “just express your feelings”. He has also been instrumental in the first breakfast programme of Good Morning Egypt. In closing he said: “Thank you Egyptian TV for allowing my personality to develop and for the invaluable experience”. Sonia Miskjian

1 Maspero is the name of the headquarters of the Egyptian Radio and TV Union, an imposing building on the banks of the River Nile in Cairo. That first broadcast was aired at 7.00 pm on 21 July 1960 and ran for five hours, commencing with a citation from the Koran.

AFSM-SEAR: The most recent edition of Aesculapian (May–August 2020) has been published, featuring the colours of the Indian flag to celebrate India’s Independence Day on the 15th August. The editorial laments the effects of Covid-19 but urges members to stay cheerful. A musical concert “Music for life” sponsored by WHO and India’s Ministry of Health was webcast on 3rd July and Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, RD, highlighted the importance of health and wellness. The issue went on to repeat useful advice to members on pension matters, especially the CE 2020 exercise, and how to return the CE during postal service problems. The proposed modernisation of the CE process was also mentioned. A short article is included on the virtual 73rd World Health Assembly, and the approval by the WHA of the appointment of Dr Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Health, Government of India, as Chairman of the 34-member WHO Executive Board for its virtual 147th session, held on 22 May 2020. An article covered World No Tobacco Day, held on 31 May. There was a reminder of SHI rules as they apply to reimbursement in the context of Covid-19. There is an article that applies to all of us in these difficult times is “Points of inspiration for a healthy lifestyle” submitted by Shiv Kumar Varma.

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The editor completed the issue with a list of countries in the SEAR celebrating their National Days during May to August and this was followed by birthday greetings to a long list of AFSM members who had their birthdays in the same period. The continued support of the Administration is gratefully acknowledged. Ashok Mitra

AFSM-Africa: AFRO Retired but not tired. The Lusaka APEX Medical University (LAMU). We celebrate the 10th anniversary of Zambia’s first ever privately owned Medical University, established in Lusaka, Zambia by, among others, former WHO staff, including the late Dr Joseph M. Kasonde, Professor Evarist Njelesani and Mr Vincent Musowe. It opened its doors to students in October 2010. The development of this University was driven by the desire of the Founder Members to contribute to resolving the crisis of lack of Human Resources for Health this sector faces in Zambia and the Southern African Region, by developing a programme to increase the output of trained health staff. This will go a long way towards the realization of the Zambian Health Sector’s National Vision of providing equitable access to quality health care as close to the population as possible, and ultimately improving the health status of all Zambians. The challenge the health sector currently faces is two-fold. First, the burden of disease (in fact a double burden, communicable and non-communicable) has been increasing over the past 56 years of the country’s independence. This has been compounded by the arrival of HIV/AIDS. Unfortunately, the training of personnel in Human Resources for Health has not kept pace with the corresponding increase in the burden of disease. There was an obvious need to increase the number of health training institutions as set out in the policies of the Ministry of Health. In response to this challenge, Lusaka Apex Medical University is poised to contribute to the production of human resources for health in Zambia and the region. Second, Zambia with a population of about 15 million is served by a doctor/population ratio of 1:17589 well below the WHO target ratio of 1:5000 (Source: WHO/AHWO 2010 – WHO Africa Health Workforce Observatory). This imbalance affects other categories of health workers as well. The crisis is particularly acute in rural areas. The establishment of this University has the full support of the National Authorities under the Public, Private Partnership arrangement. The University is fully registered and accredited by the Higher Education Authority, the Health Professions Council of Zambia and the General Nursing Council of Zambia. It raises the bar by focusing on relevant training, in line with developments of technologies and techniques in the global medical and health fields. It offers efficiencies associated with the private sector. The University has so far produced:

• Doctors: 78 • BSc Nursing: 923 • Diploma Nursing: 668

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• B Pharmacy: 258 • BSc Physiotherapy: 61 • BSc Diagnostic Radiography: 61 • BSc Environmental Health: 115 These graduates are now serving in public and private health institutions. The University recently introduced postgraduate programmes in Public Health and Radiology. More priority programmes as outlined in the National HRH strategy will be introduced soon. The University has collaborative agreements with National and International Health Institutions among which are: • The University of Zambia • National University Teaching Hospitals • Provincial Hospitals • University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA • University of Missouri USA • University of Winchester UK Evarist K Njelesani 1

1 Professor Evarist K Njelesani was a former WHO Representative in Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

AFSM-Manila: Update notes prepared for members during the pandemic. Concerning retirees resident in the Philippines on the two-track system; for those not yet registered under the UNJSPF Member Self- Service (MSS) the 2.5% CPI adjustment has already been included in the July 2020 pay slip, including retroactive adjustments. For those who are MSS registered (recommended) the COLA letter issued in July can now be accessed under "Documents" on the Fund's website. The Market Value of the Fund's Assets 31 December 2019 valuation, 71.97 billion USD 31 March 2020, 63.40 billion USD 30 June 2020, 69.95 billion USD 16 July 2020 it is over 72 billion USD, back to the pre-Covid-19 level. The first mailing of the 2020 Certificate of Entitlement (CE) took place in June to the retirees and beneficiaries via UN mail and pouch services. Note that the signed and dated, bar coded 2020 CE should be returned and received by the Fund on or before 31 December 2020, to avoid the risk of suspension of the payment of benefits. It is extremely important to register with the Member Self-Service (MSS) at the UNJSPF Integrated Pension Administration System or IPAS to enable login at any time to the website. The User ID and Password will be saved after the first login. The first issue (July/August 2020) of newSpecial (formerly UN Special), a magazine serving the people of International Organizations in Geneva since 1949 is now available at Twitter (@newspecial Mag) it is also on Instagram. This magazine is published by the WHO HQ Staff Association with an editorial committee representing a wide range of agencies. Romy Murillo

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IN MEMORIAM

Recent deaths1 of former WHO staff members as reported to AFSM

Al Tawil Nabil 28.04.2020 Ngbeadego Frederic 05.03.2020 Alexaniants Semen A 10.05.2020 Nussbaum Nadine J 30.05.2020 Atkinson Glenn F 05.02.2020 Ohanian Astrid 28.03.2020 Balachandran Ganesan 29.03.2020 Ohshima Hiroshi 03.06.2020 Barton Elizabeth E 01.05.2020 Ouedraogo Pascal B 03.02.2020 Bitihinda Charles 12.05.2020 Pararajasegaram Ramachan 05.05.2020 Borg Emmanuel Joseph Not known Petrinsky Vladimir Joseph 08.06.2020 Buono Francesco 04.06.2020 Piel Anthony L 03.04.2020 Bustamam Achmad Not known Pio Antonio 29.04.2020 Capt Georges H 03.04.2020 PolletYvon Maurice 19.04.2020 Castellanos Jorge 15.05.2020 Pou Howley V 01.04.2019 Collet Jacqueline 18.02.2020 Ramos Armando 26.04.2020 Constantinidis Christ 04.05.2020 Reelfs-Candau Sita 23.02.2020 Davila Guillermo 29.03.2020 Sacko Massambou 25.05.2020 Dazin Gerard R 31.03.2020 Sancho Alejandro 04.06.2020 Dyer Halmond Charles 19.06.2020 Shrestha Krishna B 13.04.2020 Farid Gamal El-din 25.05.2020 Silva Maximiano 28.05.2020 HeviaPatricio 05.05.2020 Steward-Goffman Enid Mae 08.05.2020 Israel Eliane M J 18.05.2020 Teixeira Gilmario Mourao 11.05.2020 Kennedy Mary L 03.06.2020 Verano Celinda 11.05.2020 Khandjian Hripsime G 20.05.2020 Vishwanathan K R 02.04.2020 LubinPaul Andre 19.04.2020 Vullioud Georges 26.05.2020 Mienanzambi Theodore 02.06.2020 Wiedersheim Adi Karin 12.12.2019 Morelli Helena 22.04.2020 Wilson Richard 06.02.2020 Mousa Fathi 11.03.2020 Yoshida Tokuo 07.06.2020 Mukamushi Maseki 27.04.2019 Yoshimoto Shizuo 21.03.2020 MungKam 27.04.2020 Zamudio de Esteves Ana Maria 10.05.2020

The deaths were also announced of the survivors of former staff members: Alvarenga de Matos, Joao Luiz; Begum, Suriya; Carrillo Romero de Ramos, Celia; Da Silva, Maria Eugenia; Etienne, Marie Therese; Fiedler, Judith Ribeiro; Flores, Clarita; Graizely, Daniel; Ida, Yepez; Kostlan, Jaromira; Koswara, Widiastuti; Ky, Firmin; Lowe, Lilian; Manteco Moya, Delfina; Mayer, Maria Luisa Blanco; Oceguera, Luz Ma Silva Rosas; Strini, Andree; Suarez, Alberto; Tshilanda Mulengi, Maria Jose; Urrutia, Aida.

1 The present notification of deaths was gratefully received from UNJSPF and covers Q2 2020. We have endeavoured to ensure that deaths already published have not been repeated in this list, however we apologize in advance if there are omissions or repeat entries. The editorial policy is to publish, once only, the names on the list of death notices we receive, and this regardless of whether an obituary has already been published; appears in the current issue; or will appear in a future issue.

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Antonio Pio, born 23 March 1933 in Rosario, Argentina, died 29 April 2020 in Mar del Plata, Argentina

Antonio Pio completed He presented proposals to the FAFICS Council on the his medical studies at the need for greater dissemination of the Emergency Rosario School of Medical Fund of the Pension Fund, and increased assistance Sciences (1954–1960) to retirees in emergency situations. In 2014, at the where he specialized in 43rd Meeting of the Council, he received recognition Pneumology and "for the persistence with which he defended the Epidemiology. He was rights of the retiree in a trial before the appeals court Chief of Epidemiology at of the UN Pension Fund". That trial, which was finally the National Institute of won, set an historical precedent, and the "double Tuberculosis (TB) Emilio track" system was annulled in Argentina. Coni in Santa Fe At the FAFICS Council Meeting in Geneva in 2015, he (1961–69), then Head of underlined the need for FAFICS to intensify the Research at the National Institute of Epidemiology dissemination of information to member in Mar del Plata (1970–71), Regional Advisor in TB associations, especially on the Emergency Fund for PAHO/WHO in Washington (1971–79), Head of showing that efforts to promote the Fund had been the TB and Respiratory Infections Unit at WHO in of little use, especially among retirees with small Geneva (1980–87), and Director of the Programme pensions. for the Control of Acute Respiratory Infections at WHO in Geneva from 1987 until his retirement. In 2015, his term as President of AFICS Argentina ended and he was appointed President Emeritus. In the early 1970s, Antonio visited countries on (Obituary abstracted with permission from an article behalf of PAHO/WHO, advising on control by Isabel Kantor published in the Noticiero AFICS programmes, and above all supporting people who (Asociación de Ex Funcionarios de Naciones Unidas- worked in them in every position. He also carried Argentina). Año 34, No.2, 2020, Abril–Junio 2020) out the first regional studies on multiple drug resistance, having an early vision of this problem I made the acquaintance of Antonio on the occasion that would later become crucial. of several FAFICS meetings and corresponded frequently with him. He impressed me as a real After retirement, he returned with his wife María gentleman and an effective fighter for the rights of Isabel to Mar del Plata. In 2012, he presided over WHO and UN retirees. A great loss. the Argentine AFICS Association. JP Menu

Enid Steward-Goffman, born 4 January 1945 in Essex, UK, died 8 May 2020 in Bristol, UK

Enid specialized in Servants’ Associations (FICSA) in the 1970s. She languages and started her transferred to Geneva in 1985 as Assistant career in the UN system Secretary for the Consultative Committee on in 1968 as a Administrative Questions (CCAQ) and later became translator/précis writer at Chief, Personnel Policies Division of the the UN and UNDP in New International Civil Service Commission (ICSC). Enid York before moving into was seconded from UNDP to WHO in 1998 as Chief, personnel policy. She Policy and Staff Development and the following became President of the year became Coordinator, Policy Development, Federation of Human Resources Services. In 2002, her International Civil secondment from UNDP ended and she became a

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WHO staff member until her retirement in 2005. (BAFUNCS) and was the principal organizer of its A “force of nature” and a consummate 2013 Annual Reunion in the Docklands in London. professional, Enid could command a meeting, even Enid then served on the BAFUNCS Executive of high-level UN staff, through both her eloquence Committee as the Annual Reunion Coordinator and her arguments. She was also one of the very from 2014–2019 and served as Rapporteur at best personnel policy specialists that the UN had several of their annual reunions. Her family, ever had and the focus and clarity of her writing friends and colleagues will miss Enid enormously, were consistent over many years. not only for her professionalism but also for her generosity of spirit. On retirement, Enid returned to the UK where she became an enthusiastic and active member of the Courtesy of BAFUNCS colleagues, notably Michael British Association of Former UN Civil Servants Davies, Andy Flatt and Nikki Feirn

Simone Ray-Tabona, born 29 May 1947 in Malta, died 19 August 2020 in Geneva

Simone had a career in and the next five years were spent undergoing WHO and UNAIDS various treatments. Simone will be greatly missed spanning 34 years by Dev and their sons – Nikhil and Kolyan. (1973–2007). Brought up I first worked with Simone in 1998 after the in Malta, Baghdad, New election of Gro Harlem Brundtland as Director- York and Geneva, she General. She was my first woman boss. Over the studied at the University years, I learned so much from her in terms of of St Andrews, Scotland, management. She taught me that not only does and the Institute of Social one manage one’s staff, but sometimes, even Studies and Development more importantly, one must also manage one’s in the Hague, bosses. She dealt with high level bosses with such Netherlands. After short skill and diplomacy that they always felt they were stints of work elsewhere, she joined WHO in full control, but they were being steered to Copenhagen in programme policy working with where they needed to be. Leo Kaprio. We were the management support unit of the Five years later years she joined WHO Geneva in highest executives of the Organization, meaning the Headquarters Programme Committee (HPC), we dealt with those with the biggest egos. One comprising the DG and ADGs, where she worked high official never travelled alone and never for 12 years. She next moved to the Global AIDS brought money. The official also never paid hotel Programme (GPA) and then the team that bills – a task done by the travelling companion. At established UNAIDS under Peter Piot, one of the one Christmas party of the executives, we did not most challenging positions in her career. She later get an invitation. Fine. The following morning, we became a Management Support Unit (MSU) Chief. were invited because “there was a lot of food left Simone met her husband Dev Ray, also a WHO staff over”. All these Simone managed deftly, without member, through the Staff Association. They were offending them. married in 1982. On retirement, they spent their I stubbornly believed in principles. Simone once time between Geneva, India, Malta and the UK. had to rescue me from a potentially career-ending She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2015 confrontation with an ego: “As your supervisor I

21 AFSM Quarterly News October 2020 QNT 121 am ordering you to stand down”. I’m glad Simone always say I prefer women bosses. rescued me. All in all, I remember, as many would, I will miss my friend, my mentor. Au revoir Simone. Simone as an elegant, classy, old-school woman. After Simone, I feared no woman bosses. In fact, I Henry Cardenas

Elizabeth Barton, born 13 February 1921 in Essex, UK, died 1 May 2020 in Dorset, UK

Elizabeth completed her when they came to stay with Elizabeth, it was clear nursing and midwifery that she was a highly respected professional who studies in the south of had played a pioneering role in aspects of maternal England, followed by a and child care in the regions where she was Health Visitor’s Certificate posted. at University College, With family both in the UK and in Australia, with a Southampton. From total of eight nephews and nieces, Elizabeth was a 1945–1952 she worked as much-loved aunt who brought the two parts of her a Staff Nurse, Midwife, family together through her frequent visits and and District Nurse/ correspondence. Midwife/Health Visitor in the UK before joining She retired first to Bristol and then, after four WHO in 1953. Her assignments as a Nurse/Nursing years, moved to West Dorset where she spent her Adviser were in countries of three WHO Regions – many remaining years. She was very active in local Pakistan, Viet Nam, Cambodia, Democratic campaigns for peace and was a “Greenham Republic of the Congo and Congo – before she took Woman”, actively opposing the installation of up the post of Midwife/Public Health Nurse in the American cruise missiles on UK soil. She taught Division of Family Health at HQ, in June 1973. French through the local University of the Third Elizabeth resigned from WHO end 1978 but Age, enjoyed participating in a local reading group, undertook an assignment as Consultant, Nursing was a keen gardener and had a wide circle of Services Administration in Papua New Guinea for friends both locally and with former WHO four months end 1980. colleagues with whom she maintained regular correspondence. She died very peacefully at her Elizabeth was very proud of her work with WHO in care home in West Bay near Bridport. so many parts of the world and throughout her life spoke passionately about preventative health care Peter Barton, nephew and health education. Having had the opportunity to meet many of her former colleagues, often

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READERS’ LETTERS

Elizabeth Barton has passed away – just 9 months before her 100th birthday – so very nearly our third centenarian

There is a touching obituary to Elizabeth on the preceding page, prepared by her nephew Peter Barton. I first met Elizabeth at the annual reunion of the British Association of Former UN Civil Servants (BAFUNCS) in 2011 – she was already 90 years old. On learning that I had worked for WHO, Elizabeth immediately came over for a chat and we enjoyed our chats at several more BAFUNCS reunions until our last meeting together in 2016. At age 95 years, she was still taking public transport by herself to get to the meetings many miles away. Elizabeth was a real role model: she maintained her active interest in life, in the BAFUNCS meetings – often asking questions – and in what was happening at WHO. I recall her writing to the AFSM questioning the visibility of the role of nursing in the Organization and she was delighted to learn that Dr Tedros had instituted the post of Chief Nursing Officer. She had an email address and used it until fairly recently. We corresponded occasionally and my last letter from her arrived recently, just after the home where she resided went into lockdown. She was so looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday next February, but that was not to be. Elizabeth was an amazing lady and will be greatly missed.

Sue Block Tyrrell

NB – The editorial team attempted to locate colleagues who had worked with Elizabeth but sadly were not successful in time for this issue. If any readers worked with her, we would welcome a few lines on your memories.

Quarantine

As the world continues the battle with the Covid-19 pandemic, “quarantine” has become a much-used word. To earlier generations of Indians, quarantine was a part of life. With self-sufficient economy in villages and towns the ancients knew how to fend for themselves in times of calamity. The main contagions in those days were, I presume, smallpox, chickenpox, measles, mumps, etc. (Jenner had not yet come on the scene). People assumed it was the wrath of the gods. There were no remedies, except preventive ones. They quarantined themselves to prevent the spread of the contagion. How did they do that and survive? The affected household let it be known by word of mouth that they had a case of contagion. They pinned some leaves and stalks of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) on their entrance door to warn off unwary visitors. None of the members of the household ventured out and they quarantined themselves for 21 days. Friends and neighbours helped by leaving fresh vegetables for them on their doorstep. In those days communities were autonomous, there was no need for any outside source for veggies, milk, groceries, unlike in these modern days! After 21 days the all-clear was announced and life resumed its placid routine. The foregoing is not found in ancient literature, but taken from folklore and anecdotes. The origins of

23 AFSM Quarterly News October 2020 QNT 121 smallpox or quarantine in India are unknown. I guess that down the generations, community elders must have put their heads together and concluded that the spread of the contagion was because of human interaction. That might have been the birth of quarantine in India. The practice of self-quarantine continued until, and even after, the disease was declared eradicated. The practice was being followed, to my knowledge, in all parts of the country. In India, neem is available in abundance. It is used in Ayurvedic medicines (Indian indigenous system) for its germicidal properties. Until the toothbrush-and-paste culture took over cities and flowed down into rural areas, neem stalks were used for daily teeth-brushing. This and similar traditional methods were handed down through the generations, and generally scrupulously adhered to.

JV Perumal

Geneva art exhibition “Art during lockdown” 1

It was with surprise and pleasure that I received details of the above art exhibition held in Geneva, in which Giory Niezen, our former WHO colleague from WHO Headquarters was exhibiting some of her paintings. I am sure Giory will be known to many since she was attached to the Unit of Violence against Women, and thereafter Prevention of Blindness and Deafness (PBD). I had come to know Giory through my trips to Geneva accompanying RD/EMRO to the Executive Board and the World Health Assembly sessions. At that time, in the late 1990’s, Giory was a member of the secretarial support team of RD/AMRO, first Sir George Alleyne, then Dr Mirta Roses. During those years we established a close bond while sharing an office and working hard from early morning to late in the evening. She is active on Facebook with tales of her regular (pre-pandemic) travels all over the world discovering new places and savouring delicatessen and ethnic foods. Her son, Eduardo, apparently continues this passion in his Geneva restaurant, Le Jules-Edouard. Giory is a very talented person, I am proud to have made her acquaintance over the years.

Sonia Miskjian

1 Public exhibition “ArtEnConfinement – deuxieme partie”. Held 23 July – 20 August, 2020 at L’espace Blitz Artco

Dr Barns in Thailand, now 101

I hope that you are all well and healthy in AFSM. I am still serving in the WHO Country Office in Thailand and I recently visited former WHO staff member Dr Barns, now 101 years old, and his wife, 100 years old, but sadly now on life support, with my colleague Kanpirom. Dr Barns is doing very well. He’s still watching a lot of YouTube videos to add to his knowledge. I haven’t asked him if he still has a glass of whisky every day, though!

Isabelle Walhin, Administrative Officer, WHO, Thailand

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EIGHTEEN-HUNDRED-AND-FROZEN-TO-DEATH

Gothic Geneva and the Year Without a Summer

If it feels as if the summer has sluggish period of sunspot lasted forever with Covid-19 activity called the Dalton restrictions and lockdowns and Minimum. This combination of you feel that you’ve been less incoming solar radiation under near house-arrest then and more material to block it spare a thought for those caused global land visiting Geneva in 1816, the so temperatures to fall by, on called “Year Without a average, 1°C and set in motion Summer”. three years of misery.

In 1816, temperatures dipped Villa Diadoti. Photo: © Pinteres t.ch There are vivid accounts of all across the world, causing how the miserable weather persistent fog on the Eastern seaboard of the US, affected Geneva because the poet Percy Shelley and snow to fall as late as June in Massachusetts and his young fiancée Mary Godwin (soon to be Mary hungry crowds to roam the United Kingdom as Shelley) had travelled to spend their summer by the crop failures occurred across the planet from lake, visiting Lord Byron in his self-imposed exile Europe to Japan. Villagers in Vermont ate from scandal back in England. Mary wrote to her hedgehogs and boiled wild nettles and peasants in half-sister, Fanny Imlay, in June, China sucked on white clay to survive and planted “An almost perpetual rain confines us principally to poppy instead of rice, setting the foundations for the house. One night we enjoyed a finer storm than the opium trade. The inhabitants of New England I had ever before beheld. The lake was lit up — the named the year “Eighteen-Hundred-and-Froze-to- pines on Jura made visible, and all the scene Death” and the Germans called the period the illuminated for an instant, when a pitchy blackness “Year of the Beggar” as malnutrition forced many succeeded, and the thunder came in frightful bursts on to the road, with diseases – particularly cholera over our heads amid the blackness.” and typhus – following closely behind. Byron had planned to spend his summer swimming Switzerland was one of the worst affected and sailing the lake and although he ranged as far countries in Europe, there were 130 days of rain as Château Chillon (where his name can still be seen between June and September which raised the carved on to a pillar in the dungeon), the poets level of the lake enough to flood Geneva and an ice were confined indoors for almost all of the summer. cone began to form at the foot of the Giétro Byron composed the poem Darkness in July 1816 Glacier that formed a natural dam creating a new, and it can be read now almost as a consideration of 2 km-long lake. Two years later, and despite the climate change and the profound effects of the work of the Swiss engineer Ignaz Venetz to drill an abnormal weather and the deprivation of sunlight. overflow tunnel for the gradual release of the I had a dream, which was not all a dream. water, the ice dam catastrophically collapsed The bright sun was extinguish’d, and the stars releasing an estimated 18 million m3 of water and Did wander darkling in the eternal space, killing 44 people. Rayless, and pathless, and the icy earth The cause of the global cooling was the eruption in Swung blind and blackening in the moonless air; April 1815 of the Tambora stratovolcano on the Morn came, and went — and came, and brought island of Sumbawa, Indonesia. The most powerful no day, eruption of the last millennia and a half, it ejected And men forgot their passions in the dread some 100 km3 of material sending huge amounts Of this their desolation; and all hearts of dust into the upper atmosphere at, Were chill’d into a selfish prayer for light. unfortunately, the same time as a particularly

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Trapped in his rented accommodation, the Villa failure, sent food prices rocketing and led to riots Diodati (which still stands in Cologny), Byron also inspired poets, musicians and artists to consider challenged his assembled guests to invent ghost the darker side of the human psyche. Switzerland’s stories, inspired by the gloomy weather. Byron’s suffering in 1816 and, in particular, the storms over personal physician, John Polidori, wrote “The Lake Geneva remain then an essential ingredient of Vampyre”, the first story to synthesise the key the genesis of gothic horror. elements of the vampire genre and an influence on Bram Stoker. The young Mary Shelley (she was 18 Kevin Crampton* in June 1816), perhaps recalling that lightning over the Jura, began “Frankenstein, or The Modern * Kevin Crampton is a WHO staff member working as a Business Analyst in the Department of Information Management and Prometheus” which she completed back home in Technology (IMT). When not analyzing WHO business he is an art Bath, England. lover, author, and creates poorly-written, lamely-researched magazine articles. Mary would later write that the summer spent in This article was originally published in UNspecial in April 2018, and Geneva and the inspiration that led to the creation has been kindly brought up-to-date by the author for Quarterly News. of Frankenstein was "when I first stepped out from References childhood into life". Gloom and tragedy Wood, Gillen D’Arcy. “1816, The Year without a Summer.” BRANCH: accompanied the work’s creation however, and she Britain, Representation and Nineteenth-Century History. Ed. Dino wrote the first four chapters in the weeks following Franco Felluga. Extension of Romanticism and Victorianism on the Net. Web. 8th April 2016: the suicide of her sister, Fanny in October 1816. http://www.branchcollective.org/?ps_articles=gillen-darcy-wood- 1816, and an effect that climate scientists in the 1816-the-year-without-a-summer 1960’s would name a “volcanic winter” has much “Year Without a Summer.” WIKIPEDIA: to teach us therefore about the serious https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Year_Without_a_Summer Ritchie, Ian. “How the year without summer gave us dark consequences of sudden changes in the masterpieces” The Guardian: constitution of the atmosphere. The same cold https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jun/16/1816-year- and perpetual night (Byron complained that he had without-summer-dark-masterpieces-beethoven-schubert-shelley to light the candles at midday) that caused crop

British Association of Former United Nations Civil Servants (BAFUNCS) BAFUNCS exists to facilitate communication between former UN employees, both for social purposes and to provide practical help and advice. It is a founder member of FAFICS and thereby represents members’ collective interest in the UN Pension Fund and medical insurance. Nationally, as well as providing help to individual members on pension matters, it provides advice on UK taxation, etc. BAFUNCS maintains an active website, with much information provided in the members’ area. Members also receive a newsletter twice a year, and ten information notes are available online on subjects such as planning for retirement and taxation in the UK. A Benevolent Fund has been set up to provide assistance to members in urgent need, and there is a network of member support officers. Many members live outside the UK, all around the world. The Overseas Region is one of the most dynamic, with many activities centred around Geneva. Being a British national is not a requirement either, although most members have an association with the UK. Many members are from multicultural backgrounds. In recent months BAFUNCS has been pleased to welcome new members who are in the process of planning for their retirement. Application for BAFUNCS membership can be made online, although a paper application form can also be obtained from the BAFUNCS Membership Secretary: [email protected]. Website: https://www.bafuncs.org

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Continued from inside front cover

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