At least five candidates compete for WHO chief post — STAT News

At least five candidates are seeking the position of director-general of the World Health Organization. The successor to current Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is expected to take office on August 16, 2027, STAT News reports. According to the outlet, the new leader will have to work amid extraordinary challenges.

Candidates for the post

The candidates named include Hans Kluge, Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari, Hanan Balkhy, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, and Maria Neira. The WHO is based in Geneva.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

Challenges for the new leader

One of the main challenges will be the withdrawal of the United States, which had been the WHO's largest donor, as well as an overall reduction in international spending on global health. This raises questions about how the agency will respond after the new leader takes office. Important issues will also include the decision of whether and how to encourage the United States to return to the WHO or at least engage with the organization more frequently and closely.