Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan’s candidacy for Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to receive widespread endorsement from international health leaders and patient advocacy networks.
Martha Raymond, Founder and CEO of the GI Cancers Alliance, shared her full endorsement on behalf of over 125 advocacy organizations and partners:
“Dear Dr. Tamamyan and OncoDaily,
I am deeply honored to endorse Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). On behalf of our global gastrointestinal cancer community – including more than 125 advocacy organizations and partners – as well as our Board of Directors, I am pleased to offer our full support for his candidacy.
Endorsement:
I am honored to endorse Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). What distinguishes Gevorg is that, in everything he does, he keeps patients at the center. He is a true champion for patients-building bridges across countries, communities, and healthcare systems to connect people, share knowledge, and expand access to care.
His commitment extends far beyond borders. Gevorg works tirelessly toward a world where geography does not determine a patient’s opportunity to access lifesaving treatment and care. He understands something that should guide all of us working in global health: where a person lives should never determine whether they live.
At a time when the world needs leadership that can bring people together while never losing sight of the individual patient, I believe Gevorg brings a deeply important perspective. His leadership reflects both a global vision and a personal commitment to patients, families, and communities around the world. I am proud to support his candidacy for Director-General of the World Health Organization.
‘Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan is a true champion for patients and for health equity worldwide. He builds bridges across borders, connects people and communities, and works tirelessly to advance access to healthcare regardless of geography. Gevorg understands a fundamental truth: where a person lives should never determine whether they live. At the heart of everything he does are the people and communities he serves-and that is the kind of leadership our global health community needs.’
Kind regards,
Martha Raymond.”
In response to the endorsement from the GI Cancers Alliance, Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan stated:
“It is such a great pleasure and a huge honor to receive the endorsement letter from GI Cancers Alliance, a global gastrointestinal cancer community, with more than 125 advocacy organizations and partners, and my dear friend and a global champion Martha Raymond. Your words mean so much for me, thank you so much. Geography must not decide who lives.”
About Martha Raymond
Martha Raymond, MA, is a globally recognized cancer patient advocate with over four decades of experience in patient-centered oncology, research, and policy. She is the Founder and CEO of The Raymond Foundation and the GI Cancers Alliance, an international coalition uniting over 125 advocacy organizations, academic centers, and industry partners to improve outcomes in gastrointestinal cancers.
She led the Collective Action Roadmap initiative and serves as an advisor to networks including Man Up to Cancer. Her contributions have been honored with the Excellence in Colorectal Cancer Advocacy Award, the Luminary Award in GI Cancers, and recognition among OncoDaily’s 100 Influential Women in Oncology.
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