The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled a new leadership team, including significant changes that reflect a shift in direction and leadership. The new appointments are set to take effect on June 16, 2025.
Key Changes in WHO Leadership
In a dramatic overhaul, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has announced the departure of several longstanding leaders, including Deputy Director-General Mike Ryan and Emergencies Director Bruce Aylward, who were instrumental during the COVID crisis but faced criticism over some of the agency’s missteps.
New Appointments and Key Roles
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, a Nigerian-German health expert, will replace Mike Ryan as the head of WHO’s Health Emergencies department. Dr. Ihekweazu previously headed the Health Emergency Intelligence division at the WHO Berlin pandemic intelligence hub.
Dr. Jeremy Farrar, a renowned British scientist and former Wellcome Trust leader, will take on the role of Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, and Control. This new division consolidates several existing divisions into one, focusing on key public health priorities.
Dr. Sylvie Briand, a veteran WHO scientist, will replace Farrar as Chief Scientist and lead the department focused on epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention.
Yukiko Nakatani, a Japanese national, remains in the leadership team as the Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, while Raul Thomas from Trinidad and Tobago continues as Assistant Director-General for Business Operations. Razia Pendse of India has been appointed as the ‘Chef du Cabinet.’
Reactions to the New Leadership Team
Initial reactions from WHO staff and external observers have been positive. Sources within the organization suggest that the new leadership strikes a balance between gender, geographical equity, and donor priorities.
The removal of long-time leadership figures, such as Ryan and Aylward, may help improve the organization’s public image and mark a fresh start for WHO. Notably, the new team lacks prominent Chinese and American figures, possibly reflecting a move to navigate around geopolitical tensions that have marred the organization’s work during the COVID pandemic.
Challenges and Future Expectations
While the reshuffle is a significant step forward, the new leadership faces major challenges, including the need to cut down the number of WHO directors and staff due to budget cuts. This follows the U.S. withdrawal from the agency, which has affected its funding. Analysts predict that 30-40% of WHO staff may be reduced, along with a sharp decrease in the number of directors at headquarters.
This new leadership team will have to navigate these challenges while also overseeing a major restructuring effort, marking a transitional phase as Dr. Tedros prepares for his term’s conclusion in two years.
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