Doha, Qatar: Former Minister of Public Health of the State of Qatar HE Dr Hanan Al-Kuwari has been nominated for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), succeeding current Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus when his term ends on August 15, 2027.
“Drawing on her extensive experience in public health, Her Excellency’s vision is to bring countries and communities together to strengthen health systems and improve outcomes worldwide,” the International Media Office said in a statement.
HE Dr Hanan Al-Kuwari is among four prospective candidates for the position. The other candidates are Dr Hanan Balkhy of Saudi Arabia, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge of Belgium, and Mr Budi Gunadi Sadikin of Indonesia.
The Director-General serves as the chief technical and administrative officer of the organization. The Director-General also provides leadership on global health issues, oversees the work of the organization, represents WHO internationally, and supports Member States in advancing global public health.
The current election process began on April 24, 2026, when the current Director-General invited Member States to submit candidatures for the post. The deadline for submitting proposals for the position is September 24, 2026.
According to WHO, the Executive Board, at its 160th session in 2027, will nominate up to three candidates for consideration by the World Health Assembly, the supreme decision-making body of the organization, which is composed of all WHO Member States.
The appointment of the next Director-General will then take place at the Eightieth World Health Assembly, scheduled to be held in May 2027.
The term of the Director-General elected at the Eightieth World Health Assembly will begin on August 16, 2027. The Director-General is appointed for a five-year term and may be reappointed once, for a maximum of two terms.
