Part three of the 8-part series In the Driver’s Seat: A Series on Country Ownership of Health Programs. Ethiopian Health Minister Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has worked in his country’s Health Ministry since 1986 and has led it since 2005.

Q: What has frustrated you about the lack of country ownership in the past?

A: The frustration comes from this: If there is no ownership, some partners will come up with activities that are not a priority for a country. And to be engaged in something that is not your priority is not something you like to do.

Part one of the 8-part series In the Driver’s Seat: A Series on Country Ownership of Health Programs.

Part one of the 8-part series In the Driver’s Seat: A Series on Country Ownership of Health Programs. Dr. Margaret Chan, a medical doctor and native of China, was appointed Director-General of the World Health Organization in November 2006. Her term will run through June 2012.

Q: At the Pacific Health Summit in London earlier this year, you said: "We are not recognizing the importance of country ownership. Parachuting in and telling them what to do isn't the right approach.’’ Why hasn’t there been more done to give ownership to countries for their health programs?

A: First, let me say, the good news is global health has received a lot of political attention, commitment, and investment.