Childhood Cancer International (CCI), a major international organization in the fight against childhood cancer, recently shared its support and encouragement for Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan’s candidacy for WHO Director-General:
“We’re incredibly pleased to see Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at Yerevan State Medical University, nominated as a candidate for Director-General of the World Health Organization.
Nominated by the Government of Botswana, Dr. Tamamyan is a paediatric oncologist who has spent much of his career working to improve cancer care for children and young people, alongside his work in global health and health policy.
For the childhood cancer community, having a paediatric oncologist among the candidates for the WHO’s highest leadership position is significant. It brings the realities of childhood cancer – from diagnosis and treatment to access to medicines, supportive care and survivorship – into a global health conversation. A conversation that matters to millions of people around the world: patients and survivors, their families, and everyone working in the field.
Childhood cancer is a leading cause of death among children and adolescents globally, yet access to diagnosis, treatment and supportive care remains deeply unequal across the world. This makes having childhood cancer represented in global health leadership conversations all the more important.
At Childhood Cancer International, we know how important it is for the voices and needs of children with cancer to be represented where global health priorities are shaped.
We’re glad to see Dr. Tamamyan’s candidacy bringing that perspective to the table, and we wish him every success in this important process.”
About Childhood Cancer International
Childhood Cancer International (CCI) is one of the world’s largest patient-support organization dedicated to childhood cancer, uniting over 200 member organizations across more than 100 countries.
As a key partner in the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer and holding UN ECOSOC Consultative Status, CCI leads vital global programs—including “Home Away From Home” (free family housing), the Global Transportation Fund (ensuring access to clinics), and worldwide campaigns for early diagnosis and access to essential medicines.
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 32, 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