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WHO member states propose seven candidates for new chief, organization says

By Thomson Reuters Oct 29, 2026 | 2:28 PM

Oct 29 (Reuters) – The World Health Organization said ​on Thursday ‌that member states have proposed seven candidates for the ‌position ​of ⁠WHO director-general, with ⁠the successful candidate expected to take office on ​August 16, 2027.

The World ⁠Health Assembly ⁠will appoint ​the new director-general ​at its 80th session ‌in May 2027, the organization added.

The nominated ⁠candidates include Mohammed Al-Kuwari, Hanan Balkhy, Hans ⁠Henri ‌P. Kluge, ⁠María P. ​Neira, ‌Budi Gunadi Sadikin, ​Li ⁠Song, and Gevorg Tamamyan, the statement said.

(Reporting by Kanjyik Ghosh in ​Barcelona;)