Qatar has nominated former Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari for the post of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). Al Kuwari is among four candidates currently in the race to succeed WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The other candidates are Saudi Arabia’s Dr Hanan Balkhy, Belgium’s Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge and Indonesia’s Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin. Tedros’ second five-year term will end on 15 August 2027. The WHO will select his successor through a multi-stage election process.
Qatar puts forward former health minister for WHO role
Al Kuwari brings more than a decade of senior healthcare leadership in Qatar. She served as the country’s Minister of Public Health from 2016 to 2024. At the same time, she led Hamad Medical Corporation as Managing Director from 2007 to 2024.
Her nomination also builds on her experience within the WHO. She served as Chair of the WHO Executive Board from 2023 to 2024.
In 2024, she presented the Executive Board’s report to the World Health Assembly.
WHO leadership election set for 2027
The WHO Executive Board is expected to shortlist and nominate up to three candidates in January 2027. The World Health Assembly will then make the final appointment in May 2027.
The successful candidate will take office on 16 August 2027. The new Director-General will serve a five-year term.
Therefore, the coming months will be important for all four candidates as the selection process moves forward.
Al Kuwari brings healthcare leadership experience
Al Kuwari led Qatar’s public healthcare system during several major events.
Most notably, she oversaw the health sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also played a key role in preparing Qatar’s medical services for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Her international profile has also grown through her work with the WHO.
In addition, she was elected to the US National Academy of Medicine in 2018. The recognition added to her standing in the global health sector.
Qatar strengthens its presence in global health
Al Kuwari’s nomination puts Qatar forward as a contender for the leadership of the UN specialised agency responsible for global public health.
If elected, she would oversee the WHO’s technical and administrative work. She would also work with member states on global health priorities.
For Qatar, the nomination also highlights its growing role in international healthcare. The race will now move towards the WHO Executive Board’s January 2027 selection stage. The final decision will come from the World Health Assembly in May 2027.
