Yerevan, September 26 – For the first time in history, an Armenian candidate has been nominated for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). Health Policy Watch, an independent international health platform, reports that pediatric oncologist-hematologist Professor Gevorg Tamamyan has been included in the list of candidates for WHO Director-General.
Historic Nomination by Botswana
It is noteworthy that Tamamyan’s candidacy was put forward by the Government of Botswana, led by President Duma Gideon Boko, which is also an exceptional case. WHO member countries, as a rule, nominate a representative of their own country for this position. Botswana nominated the Armenian doctor, taking into account his global contribution to strengthening healthcare systems in resource-limited countries and ensuring access to cancer treatment.
“As a pediatric oncologist, I have pursued my professional path by organizing medical care in places where resources were scarce and communities were underserved. I have seen children survive when few believed it, and I have seen children die simply because of where they were born,” wrote Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan on his X page.
About Professor Gevorg Tamamyan
Tamamyan is the Executive Director of the Institute of Immunooncology Research (IMMONC) and the co-founder and editor-in-chief of OncoDaily, one of the world’s largest media platforms on cancer. He is the former head of the Armenian Center for Pediatric Cancer and Blood Diseases, head of the Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at Yerevan State Medical University, and president of the POEM collaborative network (Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean Group – uniting pediatric oncologists, scientists, and healthcare professionals from 28 countries and 110 cancer centers).
Other Candidates and Election Details
Other candidates for WHO Director-General include Hans Henri Kluge (Belgium), Hanan Hamad Balkhy (Saudi Arabia), Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari (Qatar), Budi Gunadi Sadikin (Indonesia), and Maria Neira (Spain).
The WHO Director-General elections will be held in May 2027 during the organization’s 80th World Assembly.
Context of Healthcare in Armenia
This nomination comes at a time when Armenia continues to develop its healthcare sector. Recent reports from Yerevan indicate ongoing efforts to improve medical services and access to care, particularly in specialized fields like oncology. The country has also been actively engaged in international collaborations to enhance its medical expertise and infrastructure.
For instance, Uzbekistan has shown interest in Armenia’s experience in developing medical tourism, highlighting the growing recognition of Armenia’s advancements in healthcare. Such international engagements underscore the potential impact of an Armenian leader at the helm of the WHO.
Local and Regional Impact
The nomination of Professor Tamamyan is a significant event for Armenia, potentially raising the country’s profile on the global health stage. It also brings attention to the critical work being done by medical professionals in Armenia and the broader region, particularly in addressing healthcare disparities and improving access to life-saving treatments.
The focus on strengthening healthcare systems in resource-limited countries, a key aspect of Tamamyan’s work, resonates deeply with the challenges faced by many nations worldwide. His experience in these areas could prove invaluable in guiding the WHO’s future initiatives.
The election process will unfold over the coming months, with the final decision expected in 2027. This nomination marks a proud moment for Armenia and its contributions to global health.
