Support for Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan’s candidacy for Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to grow among leaders and advocates across the international oncology community.
Alejandra Mendez, President of Childhood Cancer International, shares her perspective on his candidacy:
“I am incredibly proud and happy to express my wholehearted support for Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan ‘s candidacy for Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Having had the privilege of knowing Gevorg and witnessing his extraordinary commitment, I have enormous admiration for his leadership, vision, and, above all, his humanity. I truly believe he has the qualities, determination, and compassion needed to lead the WHO into the future.
For those of us working in the global childhood cancer community, having a pediatric oncologist at the helm of the WHO would be not only a tremendous honor, but also an extraordinary source of hope. Someone who understands firsthand the challenges faced by children and families, the profound inequalities in access to care, and the urgency of turning promises into meaningful action. It would mean having a powerful ally as we continue working, each from our own corner of the world, toward a shared dream: saving more children’s lives and ensuring that every child, everywhere, has the opportunity to survive, grow, and thrive.
I firmly believe that Gevorg is the right person for this responsibility. The world needs leaders who combine expertise with empathy, vision with action, and professional excellence with genuine humanity. His candidacy fills me with pride, confidence, and hope. I couldn’t be more supportive!”
About Alejandra Mendez
Alejandra Mendez is the President of Childhood Cancer International (CCI), one of the world’s largest global, patient-centered non-profit organizations representing more than 200 member organizations across approximately 100 countries in pediatric cancer support. Her leadership extends to key roles at the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP), where she serves as a member of the Women Leaders in Pediatric Oncology Network, the PARC Committee, and previously co-chaired the Patient, Family, and Stakeholder Engagement Working Group.
She contributes to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through initiatives including the Patient Navigation Research Program and the Latin American Culture and Communication Working Group. Additionally, she serves on the Expert Committee for the My Child Matters Program at Foundation S (Sanofi), and has served on the board of Fundación Nuestros Hijos in Chile.
About Dr Gevorg Tamamyan
Dr Gevorg Tamamyan, MD, MSc, PhD, DSc, FASCO, is a prospective candidate for the post of Director-General of the World Health Organization, nominated by the Republic of Botswana. He is a global leader in oncology, health systems strengthening, and international health cooperation, recognized for building bridges between countries and advancing equitable cancer care in resource-limited settings.
Dr. Tamamyan is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at Yerevan State Medical University and CEO of the Immune Oncology Research Institute (IMMONC).
He is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of OncoDaily, one of the world’s largest oncology media platforms, created to democratize access to reliable, independent, and evidence-based cancer information globally.
Dr. Tamamyan was elected and currently serves as President of two major international pediatric oncology organizations: the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) Asia Continental Branch, representing pediatric oncology professionals across Asia, and the Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean (POEM) Group, uniting 28 countries and 110 cancer centers. He also serves as Co-Chair of the St. Jude EURO Regional Advisory Committee, encompassing 13 European countries.
At the age of 31, Dr. Tamamyan was appointed Head of the Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Armenia, where he led the consolidation of previously fragmented pediatric oncology and hematology services into a single national center. Under his leadership, the Center evolved into a regional reference point, with survival rates reaching up to 80%.
He also co-founded City of Smile, a national pediatric cancer charity that helps ensure universal coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of every child and young adult with cancer in Armenia.
Dr. Tamamyan is Chairman of the Board of the Institute of Cancer and Crisis and an adviser to the Rector of Yerevan State Medical University. He previously served as President of the Harvard Club of Armenia.
Educated and trained across seven countries in Europe, North America, and Asia, his professional journey spans frontline clinical practice, research, academic leadership, national cancer center management, global health diplomacy, and institution building.
He is the recipient of numerous international awards and distinctions, including Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (FASCO); ASCO LIFe and IDEA Awards; UICC and IARC Young Leader Awards; the 40 Under 40 in Cancer Award; the Latin American and Caribbean Society of Medical Oncology (SLACOM) Award for Global Oncology Leadership; and the Global Health Catalyst Distinguished Leader Award.
He is married and has two daughters, Charlize and Letizia.
Read more about Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan’s WHO candidacy:
Dr Gevorg Tamamyan is Nominated as a Candidate for WHO Director-General Position
Watch HRH Princess Dina Mired’s interview with Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan: The Man Who Challenged Cancer Hierarchies