Key facts
- The race to succeed WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose term ends in August 2027, is underway.
- Potential candidates are emerging from Europe, Asia, and Gulf states, reflecting shifting global health influence.
- Saudi Arabia's Hanan Balkhy and former Qatari Health Minister Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari are discussed as Gulf contenders.
- Sania Nishtar, head of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin are also considered strong candidates.
- The U.S. administration's withdrawal from the WHO adds uncertainty to the selection process.
The selection process for the next head of the World Health Organization (WHO) is set to be a significant test of global health leadership following the United States' withdrawal from the agency. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus' second term concludes in August 2027, opening the door for new contenders. Traditionally, another African candidate is unlikely to succeed Tedros, who is from Ethiopia, leaving the field open to candidates from Europe, Asia, and the Gulf states.
Europe is expected to present serious contenders, though they may face scrutiny over vaccine distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the growing financial and diplomatic influence of Asia and the Gulf states is reflected in their potential candidates. China, while unlikely to field its own candidate, could play a crucial role as a power broker.
The U.S. administration's retreat from the WHO introduces a new dynamic, as the agency's largest funder will not be formally involved in the decision. However, some countries may still consider U.S. preferences. Suerie Moon, a professor at the Graduate Institute in Geneva, noted that while some nations might align with U.S. choices, others may not desire the U.S. to regain its former influence.
Among the discussed candidates, Saudi Arabia's Hanan Balkhy, the WHO's regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, is seen as well-positioned due to her experience and connections. She has gained visibility during conflicts in Gaza and Iran. Another potential candidate from the Gulf is former Qatari Health Minister Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, known for her leadership in Qatar's healthcare sector.
Sania Nishtar from Pakistan, who previously ran for the WHO leadership and now heads Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, brings significant global health credentials. She has experience navigating complex donor relationships and has publicly addressed the impact of U.S. aid cuts.
From Asia, Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has generated considerable interest. Despite a background in banking before entering health policy in 2020, his advocacy for technology sharing and his role in Indonesia's health hub status make him a notable candidate. Thailand is also anticipated to put forward a candidate.
Europe, which has not had a WHO Director-General since 1998, faces challenges due to lingering frustrations from developing countries over pandemic negotiations and vaccine access, potentially hindering a European candidate's ability to form a broad coalition.