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Hanan Balkhy posted on X on Monday that she felt deeply grateful to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for nominating her as a candidate for Director-General of the World Health Organization. She thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support of health care in the Kingdom and its contributions to global health. That statement followed the official Saudi announcement of her candidacy for the 2027-2032 term and reflected on more than three decades spent in clinical care, infectious disease management and international health leadership.
Balkhy recalled her work as a pediatrician, infectious disease specialist and scientist who responded on the frontlines during the MERS-CoV outbreak years before the COVID-19 pandemic. She stated that the experience shaped her belief in the power of science, preparedness and collaboration to turn evidence into action. The Saudi Press Agency reported that her career has encompassed public health, infectious diseases, infection prevention, health security, health systems and international health at national, regional and global levels.
The World Health Organization appointed Balkhy as its Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean in February 2024 after she secured the majority of votes from member states the previous October, making her the first woman to hold the post. She had previously served as the organization’s first Assistant Director-General for Antimicrobial Resistance beginning in 2019. Her current responsibilities cover 22 member states and a population of more than 750 million people, according to details she included in her X post.
Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel announced the nomination and described Balkhy as a leader whose three decades of experience combine scientific expertise with practical efforts to strengthen health systems and improve preparedness. Al-Jalajel stated that her work has spanned countries and institutions to achieve better health outcomes. The agency added that the candidacy reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a World Health Organization trusted for its science, prepared for emerging challenges and able to deliver lasting impact for all member states.
Balkhy said she believes the World Health Organization must earn trust, deliver impact and demonstrate value for every member state as it prepares for the leadership transition that will follow the conclusion of the current director-general’s term in 2027. She expressed anticipation for listening, learning and working with colleagues, member states and partners to shape the future of the organization and global health. The nomination places her among candidates who will campaign to succeed Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose second term ends that year, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Balkhy extended thanks in her statement to the health professionals and colleagues who contributed to her career path as well as to World Health Organization staff operating around the world. Her remarks underscored a focus on maintaining public confidence while producing tangible results across all regions. The Eastern Mediterranean office of the World Health Organization has highlighted her prior national roles, including as the first executive director for infection prevention and control at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs.
