5. Summary

Between 1980 and 1996, the global development agenda gained importance at the United Nations. In the health sector, the global eradication of smallpox and the bold launch of “Health for All by the Year 2000” were overshadowed by the global HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The economy of the Republic of Korea maintained high growth, mainly driven by the heavy-chemical industry. The Government of the Republic of Korea gradually transformed itself from an aid-recipient country to an emerging donor country. In 1996, the Republic of Korea became a member of OECD. Its GDP per capita (current US$) exceeded US$ 10 000 in 1994. WHO continued to provide support to the Republic of Korea but shifted its focus. While WHO lessened its support for communicable diseases and MCH programmes, it strengthened its support to address emerging health issues such as HIV/AIDS, cancer and environmental pollution. WHO’s support to primary health care was focused on piloting the district health-care system based on primary health care, and building the capacity of public health officials with scholarships to graduate schools of public health in the Republic of Korea.

The Republic of Korea also expanded its support to WHO in terms of financial contributions and technical expertise. In 1988, Han Sang-tae was elected as WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific for a five-year term and was re-elected in 1993.

Q han sang-tae (centre, front row) was elected as Who regional director for the Western pacific in 1988.

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