RACE TO lead the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken shape following the submission of nominations by member countries, with seven candidates now in contention for the agency’s top position.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the candidates are Dr Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari, Dr Hanan Balkhy, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, Dr María P. Neira, Mr Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Dr Li Song and Dr Gevorg Tamamyan.
The WHO notes that their curricula vitae have been made available in all six official languages of the organisation: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
It also says the candidates are scheduled to meet representatives of Member States and Associate Members on 18 and 19 November 2026 during the first candidates’ forum at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
The forum will be streamed publicly on the WHO website, with proceedings available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish as the agency further assures that the selection process will continue at its Executive Board’s 160th session in early 2027, when members will decide on a shortlist of five candidates.
WHO says the shortlisted candidates will then be interviewed by Executive Board members, who will nominate up to three candidates for consideration by the World Health Assembly (WHA).
A second candidates’ forum, featuring those nominated by the Executive Board, will then be scheduled for 15 March 2027 where the event will also be publicly webcast on the WHO website in all six official languages.
Thereafter, WHO says the final appointment will be made at the WHA 80th session in May 2027, when member countries will select the organisation’s next Director-General.
WHO adds that the successful candidate is expected to assume office on 16 August 2027, taking responsibility for leading the WHO’s work to protect and improve health around the world.
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