Nepal Nominated Candidate for WHO Regional Director
Dr. Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra was nominated to fill the vacant role following the resignation of Saima Wazed.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Nutrition
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Nepal has officially nominated Dr. Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra for the World Health Organisation South-East Asia regional director position. The vacancy follows the September 9, 2026, resignation of Saima Wazed after a WHO committee recommended her dismissal.
Why it matters
The regional director oversees public health strategy across 11 member countries, making the upcoming election critical for the region. Filling this leadership void is essential for maintaining WHO administrative stability and continuity of healthcare programs in South-East Asia.
The WHO South-East Asia Region consists of 11 member countries, though Myanmar is ineligible to cast a vote due to active United Nations sanctions. In the 2023 election, the winning candidate secured 8 votes compared to the 2 votes received by Nepal.
The players
Dr. Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra
She is an additional secretary at the Ministry of Health and Health and Food Safety in Nepal.
Saima Wazed
She served as the WHO South-East Asia regional director starting in February 2024 until her resignation.
The details
Dr. Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra currently serves as an additional secretary at the Ministry of Health and Health and Food Safety. She was previously acquitted of charges in a Special Court in June 2026, clearing the path for her candidacy in the upcoming regional director election.
Timeline
September 8, 2026: A WHO committee recommended the dismissal of Saima Wazed.
September 9, 2026: Saima Wazed resigned from the WHO regional director post.
October 12, 2026: The WHO is scheduled to announce the full slate of nominations.
December 2026: The organization will conduct the vetting process for all applications.
January 24, 2027: Member countries will hold the election for the new regional director.
The Big Picture
The nomination process follows the established election and resignation protocols set forth by the WHO South-East Asia regional directorate. This transition marks a critical administrative shift for the organization as it moves toward the scheduled 2027 leadership vote.
The election of a new regional director will directly influence the distribution of health resources and the implementation of medical programs across the 11 member nations. Residents in these countries may see shifts in public health priorities and administrative oversight depending on the new leadership.
The takeaway
The rapid vacancy and upcoming election highlight the importance of stable leadership within the regional WHO office. Member countries must now prepare for a competitive vetting process to ensure the selected director can effectively manage regional health challenges.
What happens next
The WHO will formally announce all nominations for the regional director position on October 12, 2026, followed by an application vetting process in December 2026 and a final election on January 24, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on regional health governance and policy, visit Nutrition.
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