Armenian pediatric oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan is among seven candidates for Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), following his nomination by Botswana rather than Armenia.
Tamamyan, who heads the Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at Yerevan State Medical University, has been publicly critical of Pashinyan’s government. His nomination by the southern African country is particularly notable given his Armenian nationality and his political differences with the authorities in Yerevan.
Botswana formally nominated Tamamyan after he personally approached several countries seeking international support for his candidacy. In August, he met Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko and senior officials to present his vision for the WHO and request their backing.
Tamamyan has explained that seeking a nomination outside Armenia was a deliberate decision aimed at building support across different regions, arguing that nationality should not determine who leads international health institutions.
The Armenian physician has extensive experience in pediatric cancer treatment and international healthcare cooperation. He previously headed Armenia’s Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and helped establish international networks connecting cancer specialists and treatment centers across multiple countries.
The WHO officially confirmed the seven candidates on October 29. They will participate in the first candidates’ forum on November 18–19 in Geneva, where representatives of WHO member states will assess their proposals.
In early 2027, the WHO Executive Board will shortlist five candidates before selecting up to three nominees for consideration by the World Health Assembly.
The final election is scheduled for May 2027, with the successful candidate assuming office on August 16, succeeding Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who has led the organization since 2017.
