Pic of Day: Dr. Michael Ryan, Executive Director of the World Health Organisation Health Emergencies Programme in Geneva, dropped by Áras an Uachtaráin where President Michael D. Higgins presented him with a Presidential Distinguished Service Award, this, according to an Áras release, in recognition of his "enormous service to global public health over the course of a number of decades." Dr. Ryan had been due to receive the award, which recognizes the contribution of members of the Irish diaspora, at a ceremony in the Áras on December 2 last but was unable to attend due to his ongoing work with the WHO. A native of Charlestown, County Mayo, Dr. Ryan has become a familiar figure on world television screens while coming to global prominence for the leading role he has played in coordinating international efforts to respond to the COVID pandemic. He is chair of the UN Crisis Management Team, playing a pivotal role in coordinating the work of all UN agencies in responding to the pandemic.
