This content was last updated on 11 August 2026.

Prospective candidates for the post of WHO Director-General

This page provides information on individuals proposed for the post of WHO Director-General. In advance of the official publication of candidates and proposals, prospective candidates may be acknowledged on the WHO website. Following the official publication of candidates and proposals, this page will be updated to reflect the status of their candidature.

Prospective candidates

Studio portrait of a person wearing glasses and a dark head covering, standing against a light background with arms crossed.

Dr Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari

Proposed by Qatar

Dr Hanan Balkhy

Proposed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia