Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan, Candidate for WHO Director-General, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at Yerevan State Medical University, and Editor-in-Chief of OncoDaily, has welcomed Prof. Cesaltina Lorenzoni, President of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), to the International Advisory Board of his campaign for World Health Organization Director-General.
“Honored to welcome Prof. Cesaltina Lorenzoni to the International Advisory Board of my campaign for World Health Organization Director-General.
Professor of Pathology at Eduardo Mondlane University and President of AORTIC, Cesaltina is one of Africa’s most distinguished pathologists. But titles tell only part of the story.
She is a doer. A changemaker. The kind of leader who doesn’t wait for permission to fix what’s broken.
That is exactly the spirit this campaign is about. Geography must not decide who lives, and Cesaltina has spent her career proving it doesn’t have to.
Thank you very much for your trust and support, dear Cesaltina.”
About Cesaltina Lorenzoni
Cesaltina Lorenzoni is a Mozambican oncology leader and public health professional who currently serves as President of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC). She is also Head of the National Cancer Control Programme at the Ministry of Health of Mozambique, a position she has held since January 2015, and Scientific and Teaching Director at Maputo Central Hospital since December 2019.
She holds a PhD in International Public Health and International Health from the University of Barcelona, where she completed her doctoral studies in 2017. Her professional work focuses on strengthening cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and research, with particular attention to improving oncology services and access to care in Mozambique and across Africa.
Throughout her career, she has contributed to national cancer control initiatives, institutional development, and professional education. Her leadership brings together public health policy, clinical services, and research, supporting efforts to strengthen cancer care systems and address disparities in access to oncology services.
In September 2022, she received the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) Award for Community Advancement in Resource-Limited Settings in recognition of her contributions to cervical cancer prevention and treatment in Mozambique. In June 2024, she was honored with the Global Health Catalyst Global Leader in Health Award in Washington, D.C.
Through her leadership at AORTIC and Mozambique’s Ministry of Health, she continues to support cancer control, professional training, research collaboration, and the development of oncology services across Africa.
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