Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Five candidates enter race to lead WHO as nominations close
Five people from five countries want to lead the World Health Organization.
They are competing to replace its current leader, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The candidates include Al-Kuwari, Balkhy, Kluge, Neira and Indonesia’s health minister, Budi.
They have backgrounds in government, medicine and public health.
The candidates will take part in a forum in November.
In January 2027, the WHO’s Executive Board will choose up to three finalists.
Tedros has led the organization since 2017.
During his tenure, the agency handled COVID-19 and other outbreaks, while also facing criticism from the United States.
Candidates from five countries applied to replace Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The nominees are Al-Kuwari, Balkhy, Kluge, Neira and Indonesia’s Budi.
A candidates’ forum is scheduled for November.
The WHO Executive Board will shortlist up to three candidates in January 2027.
Tedros has led the agency since 2017 through COVID-19, Ebola and mpox outbreaks.
- Who
- Five candidates—Al-Kuwari, Balkhy, Kluge, Neira and Budi—are seeking to replace Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
- What
- The candidates have submitted applications to become Director-General of the World Health Organization.
- When
- Nominations closed overnight on September 25; a forum is planned for November and shortlisting for January 2027.
- Where
- The announcement was reported from Geneva.
- Why
- The candidates are competing to succeed Tedros as head of the WHO.
Criticism of the WHO
WHO’s response
Handling of COVID-19
Criticism of the WHO
President Donald Trump accused the WHO of mishandling COVID-19, and Washington ordered an exit in 2025.
WHO’s response
The WHO denies the accusation that it mishandled the pandemic.
- Number of candidates
- Five
- Current Director-General
- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
- Candidates’ forum
- November
- Executive Board shortlist
- Up to three candidates
- Shortlisting date
- January 2027
- Tedros’s tenure
- Since 2017
- Major events during tenure
- COVID-19, Ebola and mpox outbreaks