The World Health Organization has announced on its website that seven candidates have been formally proposed by member states to succeed its Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The candidates are from seven different countries, each bringing unique experiences and backgrounds to the role. They include Hanan Mohamed Al-Kuwari from Qatar, Hanan Balkhi from Saudi Arabia, Hans Henri P. Kluge from Belgium, Maria B. Neira from Spain, Budi Gunadi Sadikin from Indonesia, Li Song from China, and Gevorg Tamamyan from Armenia, proposed by Botswana.
The selection process for the new Director-General comes at a critical time for the WHO, facing significant global health challenges, geopolitical tensions, and funding difficulties for multilateral cooperation. The first public phase of the process is set to begin on November 18-19, 2026, at the WHO headquarters in Geneva. During this phase, the seven candidates will present their visions and answer questions from member states and associate members.
The WHO Executive Board, consisting of 34 members, will compile a shortlist of five candidates during its 160th session in early 2027. Following interviews with the shortlisted candidates, the board will propose up to three candidates to the World Health Assembly. The new Director-General will be appointed during the 80th World Health Assembly in May 2027 and will assume office on August 16, 2027.
The candidates' backgrounds reflect a diversity of experiences in health system management, health diplomacy, field medicine, and international cooperation. Hanan Mohamed Al-Kuwari, former Qatari Minister of Public Health from 2016 to 2024, managed Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar's main healthcare network, and led the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hanan Balkhi, a pediatrician specializing in infectious diseases, has been the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean since February 2024.
Hans Henri P. Kluge, a Belgian physician, has been leading the WHO European Regional Office since 2020. He previously worked with Médecins Sans Frontières in conflict zones and focused on combating tuberculosis and HIV. Maria B. Neira, a Spanish public health specialist, served as Director of Environment, Climate Change, and Health at WHO from 2005 to 2025 and was a former Deputy Minister of Health in Spain.
Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Indonesian Minister of Health since December 2020, transitioned from the banking and industrial sectors. He played a crucial role in Indonesia's COVID-19 response, overseeing vaccine, drug, and medical equipment supplies. Li Song, a Chinese physician, has led the health department for women and children at China's National Health Commission and focuses on maternal and child health, as well as international health cooperation.
Gevorg Tamamyan, an Armenian pediatric oncologist proposed by Botswana, is a professor at Yerevan State Medical University and specializes in childhood cancer treatment. He manages international networks dedicated to pediatric oncology and access to healthcare. A second public forum for the shortlisted candidates will be held on March 15, 2027.
Key points
- The World Health Organization is facing significant challenges, including global health crises, geopolitical tensions, and funding difficulties.
- Seven candidates from different countries are competing for the position of Director-General.
- The new Director-General will be appointed in May 2027 and will assume office on August 16, 2027.
