Politics · Spain · 5 hrs ago
Spain nominates María Neira to lead the World Health Organization
Spain has nominated María Neira to lead the World Health Organization, known as the WHO.
The Spanish doctor is seeking to succeed current director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose second term ends in August 2027.
Neira says she could act as a bridge between Europe and Latin America, as no candidate from Latin America had come forward when Spain made its choice.
The WHO is facing the United States' departure, funding shortages and a crisis of confidence.
Neira says she wants to restore trust and expertise and put more focus on preventing illness.
WHO member states are expected to decide who will lead the organization in May 2027 at the World Health Assembly.
Spain has nominated María Neira to lead the World Health Organization.
Neira hopes to succeed Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose second term ends in August 2027.
The result is due to be announced at the World Health Assembly in May 2027.
Neira says she could serve as a bridge between Europe and Latin America.
She says the WHO faces geopolitical challenges, funding shortages and a crisis of credibility.
- Who
- Spain nominated María Neira, a physician from Asturias, to lead the WHO.
- What
- Neira is seeking to become the WHO’s next director-general.
- When
- Spain submitted her candidacy 24 hours before the deadline. The result is expected in May 2027.
- Where
- The WHO is headquartered in Geneva, and Neira is waiting for the decision from her residence in Switzerland.
- Why
- Neira says she wants to support global health and prevention, and could represent both Europe and Latin America.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Spain submitted María Neira’s candidacy for WHO director-general.
The result is expected to be announced at the World Health Assembly.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’s second term as WHO director-general is due to end.
- Candidate
- María Neira
- Nominating country
- Spain
- Expected decision
- May 2027
- Current director-general
- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
- End of current term
- August 2027
What people are saying
Always is the right moment to fight for global health.
I thought that, if a South American or Latin American candidate had stood, I probably would not have considered the possibility of standing.
I could be a bridge to represent Europe and Latin America.
María, you have to stand.