The Kazakhstan Cancer Society (KazCS) proudly and firmly endorses Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan’s candidacy for Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), recognizing his distinguished contributions to pediatric oncology, global health, international collaboration, and the advancement of equitable access to quality cancer care, particularly in resource-limited settings.
“Kazakhstan Cancer Society proudly supports the candidacy of Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan for Director-General of the World Health Organization, nominated by the Government of Botswana.
As a pediatric oncologist, professor and global health leader, Dr. Tamamyan has dedicated his career to advancing cancer care, strengthening international collaboration, and expanding access to quality healthcare, particularly in resource-limited settings.
His vision of a stronger, faster and more effective WHO — where health progress reaches every person, everywhere — resonates deeply with our shared commitment to health equity and better cancer care worldwide.
We wish Dr. Tamamyan strength and success on this important journey and are proud to stand in support of his vision.
Geography must not decide who lives.”
About Kazakhstan Cancer Society
The Kazakhstan Cancer Society (KazCS) is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of oncology in Kazakhstan through cancer prevention, treatment, research, professional education, and international cooperation. With more than 15 years of professional community development, KazCS has established a platform for the continuous exchange of expertise and the advancement of evidence-based cancer care.
The Society’s professional community comprises more than 6,445 specialists, with its educational and professional initiatives engaging 1,000+ participants and specialists annually. KazCS also facilitates international oncology education through initiatives including Best of ASCO Kazakhstan and Best of ESMO, contributing to the integration of international expertise and contemporary advances in cancer care.
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