Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has been confirmed and sworn in as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The global spread of swine flu brings into sharp focus the urgency for executive leadership in public health posts.

As a governor Sebelius had first-hand experience in Medicaid administration. Moreover Sebelius is known as a skilled political negotiator, a trait that will be needed if the new administration addresses a plan for universal health care.

The president's first choice for the post, Tom Daschle, pulled his name out of consideration after a tax controversy. Sebelius also acknowledged tax issues and resolved those by paying back taxes before confirmation.

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