The global pediatric oncology community and world health leaders continue their dedicated support for Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at Yerevan State Medical University and Editor-in-Chief of OncoDaily, on his nomination for WHO Director-General. This time, Isabel Mestres, CEO of City Cancer Challenge, extended her support and insights:
“I had a post scheduled for today about WHO’s public list of prospective candidates to become its next Director-General. Then I saw an illustration of Gevorg Tamamyan, the latest name to appear on the list, and I had to rewrite it!
I have known Gevorg for a few years, so let me be upfront: I am biased. He may be the least familiar name on the list to many people. Perhaps that is exactly why we should pay attention.
I have always admired paediatric oncologists working where resources are scarce. They fight for children who cannot wait for the system to become perfect. They find another way, bring people together and keep going. Gevorg has always struck me as someone with that determination. Perhaps WHO could use some of it too.
The question I had planned to ask still stands, for Gevorg and for everyone on WHO’s public list. In the early campaign messages I have seen, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have received surprisingly little attention.
NCDs account for nearly three quarters of deaths worldwide. Meeting that reality means preventing disease, yes, but also helping countries build the systems people need for diagnosis, treatment and care over many years.
So my question is simple:
How would you change WHO to meet that reality? What would you do differently in its country support, expertise, financing and ways of working? And how would you give NCDs the attention they need while preserving the specialist knowledge that conditions such as cancer require?
I would love to hear from all six prospective candidates: Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari, Hanan H. Balkhy, Hans Kluge, Maria Neira, Budi Gunadi Sadikin and, of course, Gevorg Tamamyan.”
About Isabel Mestres
Isabel Mestres is the Chief Executive Officer of City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) and a prominent leader in global cancer care. A founding member of C/Can, she has helped develop its city-based approach to improving access to quality and equitable cancer care.
She previously held senior leadership roles at the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and serves on the Board of the NCD Alliance, contributing to global efforts to advance action on non-communicable diseases and health equity.
Mestres is a frequent speaker at major international forums, including the World Health Assembly, and is a strong advocate for reducing disparities in cancer care and turning global health priorities into meaningful, sustainable change for patients worldwide.
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