Four contenders officially entered to replace Tedros as WHO director-general
The WHO has confirmed four nominees—Al-Kuwari, Balkhy, Kluge and Sadikin—to succeed term-limited director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The World Health Organization announced that four individuals have been formally accepted as candidates to replace Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose term ends in May. The nominees are former Qatari health minister Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari, WHO Eastern Mediterranean director Hanan Hassan Balkhy, WHO Europe regional director Hans Henri Kluge, and Indonesia’s health minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin. Al-Kuwari and Sadikin were put forward by Qatar and Indonesia, while Saudi Arabia nominated Balkhy and Belgium backed Kluge.
The incoming director-general will face an agency still reeling from criticism over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, an Ebola-related sexual-abuse scandal in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and delays in a global pandemic treaty. Candidates must meet criteria that include a medical fitness exam and proven leadership in health. The selection will occur at the World Health Assembly in May after member states submit nominations by September 24.
Why it matters
The WHO’s next leader will shape global health policy after a tumultuous period for the agency.
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