The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced seven candidates for the position of its next Director-General, beginning a major phase in the selection of the person who will lead the global health agency from August 2027.
The announcement, published on October 29, 2026, follows nominations submitted by WHO member states. The candidates are Dr Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari, Dr Hanan Balkhy, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, Dr María P. Neira, Mr Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Dr Li Song and Dr Gevorg Tamamyan.
The selection process will determine who succeeds the current Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose second five-year term ends in August 2027.
Tedros’ Leadership at WHO
Dr Tedros became WHO Director-General in July 2017, making history as the first person from the African region to hold the position. He was re-elected in May 2022 for a second five-year term, which began on August 16 of that year.
Under WHO rules, a Director-General can serve a maximum of two five-year terms. This means Dr Tedros will conclude his leadership in August 2027, making the ongoing selection process necessary.
During his tenure, the organisation has coordinated international responses to major public health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic, while advancing programmes on universal health coverage, disease prevention and health system strengthening.
The seven candidates will participate in the first candidates’ forum on November 18 and 19, 2026, at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The forum will allow them to present their leadership priorities and respond to questions from member states and associate members. Proceedings will also be streamed publicly in the organisation’s six official languages.
The selection process will continue in early 2027 when the WHO Executive Board meets for its 160th session. The board will shortlist five candidates and conduct interviews before nominating up to three individuals for consideration by the World Health Assembly. A second candidates’ forum is scheduled for March 15, 2027, ahead of the final appointment.
The World Health Assembly, WHO’s highest decision-making body, will appoint the next Director-General during its 80th session in May 2027. The successful candidate is expected to assume office on August 16, 2027, beginning a new five-year leadership term.
The appointment will shape the direction of WHO’s global health priorities, international partnerships and response to emerging public health challenges in the coming years.
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