# Hanan Balkhy WHO Director-General candidacy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hanan-balkhy-who-director-general-candidacy
> Updated: 2026-09-10T11:52:00.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Saudi Arabia has nominated Professor Hanan Balkhy for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the 2027–2032 term. Balkhy, the current WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, has a background in infectious diseases, infection control, and antimicrobial resistance.

Following her nomination, Balkhy announced her candidacy, proposing a platform built on three pillars: earning trust through science and stewardship, delivering impact through preparedness and country-led action, and demonstrating value through measurable results. Her campaign aims to transform universal health coverage into a lived reality.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Hanan H. Balkhy announces candidacy for WHO Director-General

Dr. Hanan H. Balkhy has launched her candidacy for WHO Director-General, nominated by Saudi Arabia, pledging to increase organizational trust, preparedness, and accountability.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hanan-h-balkhy-announces-candidacy-for-who-director-general

### 2026-08-24: Saudi Arabia nominates Hanan Balkhy for WHO Director-General

Saudi Arabia has nominated Dr. Hanan Balkhy for WHO Director-General (2027–2032), while Kenya seeks to deepen health partnerships with Saudi Arabia regarding workforce mobility and digital health.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saudi-arabia-nominates-hanan-balkhy-for-who-director-general

---
Cite as: Hanan Balkhy WHO Director-General candidacy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hanan-balkhy-who-director-general-candidacy