started · updated
WHO announces seven candidates for Director-General position
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially confirmed seven candidates nominated by Member States to succeed Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as Director-General. The candidates are Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari (Qatar), Hanan Balkhy (Saudi Arabia), Hans Henri P. Kluge (Belgium), María P. Neira (Spain), Budi Gunadi Sadikin (Indonesia), Li Song (China), and Gevorg Tamamyan (Armenia).
Gevorg Tamamyan, a pediatric oncologist from Yerevan State Medical University, was nominated by Botswana. The candidates are scheduled to participate in an initial forum in Geneva on November 18–19, 2026, to engage with Member States.
The selection process will continue in early 2027, when the WHO Executive Board will shortlist five candidates. Following interviews, the Board will nominate up to three individuals for consideration by the 80th World Health Assembly. The final appointment is expected in May 2027, with the successful candidate set to assume office on August 16, 2027.
Entities
Geneva · Gevorg Tamamyan · Hans Henri P. Kluge · María Neira · María P. Neira · Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus · World Health Organization
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 8 SOURCES] The WHO has confirmed seven candidates for the position of Director-General. www.301.am · lagacetaonline.com.ar · uruguayaldia.com.uy · www.diarioestrategia.cl · www.environewsnigeria.com · +3 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] The 80th World Health Assembly will appoint the new Director-General in May 2027. lagacetaonline.com.ar · uruguayaldia.com.uy · www.diarioestrategia.cl · www.environewsnigeria.com · elpais.com · +2 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] The successful candidate will assume office on August 16, 2027. www.301.am · lagacetaonline.com.ar · www.environewsnigeria.com · elpais.com · www.antaranews.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will complete his term as Director-General in August 2027. www.301.am · uruguayaldia.com.uy · www.diarioestrategia.cl · www.environewsnigeria.com · elpais.com
- [● 8 SOURCES] The candidates include Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari, Hanan Balkhy, Hans Henri P. Kluge, María P. Neira, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Li Song, and Gevorg Tamamyan. www.301.am · lagacetaonline.com.ar · www.environewsnigeria.com · elpais.com · www.jawapos.com · +3 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The WHO Executive Board will shortlist five candidates in early 2027. www.301.am · lagacetaonline.com.ar · www.environewsnigeria.com · elpais.com · www.jawapos.com · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The first candidates’ forum will take place on November 18–19, 2026, in Geneva. www.301.am · lagacetaonline.com.ar · www.environewsnigeria.com · elpais.com · www.jawapos.com · +1 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Gevorg Tamamyan was nominated by Botswana. www.301.am · www.jawapos.com · www.antaranews.com