Five Candidates Have Applied to Lead the WHO
The nomination period for the position of World Health Organization Director-General concluded this week.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in COVID-19
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Five candidates have officially submitted applications to succeed the current leadership of the World Health Organization. The nomination window for the position closed overnight on September 25, 2026.
Why it matters
The election process marks a significant transition period for the organization following the tenure of Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who has served as Director-General since 2017. The new leadership will navigate the agency at a time of shifting global health dynamics, including the absence of the United States, which withdrew from the organization in 2025.
A total of five candidates submitted applications for the Director-General role. The WHO Executive Board is tasked with shortlisting a maximum of three individuals for the final selection process.
The players
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
He has served as the Director-General of the World Health Organization since 2017.
Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari
She is one of the five individuals who submitted an application to lead the organization.
Hanan Balkhy
She is a candidate for the position of Director-General.
Hans Kluge
He is among the applicants seeking to succeed the current Director-General.
Maria Neira
She is one of the five people who applied for the leadership role.
The details
The candidates competing for the top post are Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari, Hanan Balkhy, Hans Kluge, Maria Neira, and Budi Gunadi Sadikin. Following the close of the nomination period, these applicants will move forward in a selection process overseen by the WHO Executive Board.
Timeline
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus began his tenure as Director-General in 2017.
The United States exited the World Health Organization in 2025.
The deadline for WHO nominations closed on September 25, 2026.
A forum for the candidates will take place in November 2026.
The Executive Board will shortlist the candidates in January 2027.
Health Landscape
This election cycle follows the pattern established by the 2017 WHO Director-General election process. The transition highlights the shift in institutional priorities since Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus first assumed the role.
The transition to new leadership at the WHO may eventually influence global health strategies, treatment guidelines, and disease management protocols that affect international standards. These changes impact how medical information and health policies are coordinated across member nations.
The takeaway
The selection of a new leader represents a critical juncture for international health coordination as the agency operates without U.S. participation. Stakeholders and observers should monitor the candidate forum in November to better understand the proposed future policy directions.
What happens next
A forum for the candidates is scheduled to take place in November 2026, followed by the WHO Executive Board shortlisting up to three candidates in January 2027.
Further reading
Find more updates on global health policy in the COVID-19 section.
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