Leading cancer organizations and professional societies worldwide continue to voice their support for Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan’s candidacy for WHO Director-General.
The Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Chapter of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics has formally endorsed his nomination:
“To
The Members of the Executive Board and Delegates to the World Health Assembly World Health Organization, Geneva
Subject: Endorsement of Dr Gevorg Tamamyan for WHO Director-General
On behalf of the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology (PHO) Chapter of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, we are proud to offer our wholeheartedly endorsement of Dr Gevorg Tamamyan for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization.
Dr Tamamyan brings a powerful combination of clinical understanding, collaborative leadership and commitment to equitable healthcare. His service as President of SIOP Asia and his work across professional and national boundaries reflect his ability to unite people around a shared purpose: improving access to effective, compassionate care.
Our endorsement represents PHO members dedicated to children with cancer and blood disorders. Our community serves a country facing an immense burden: published estimates suggest approximately 77,000 children and adolescents aged 0–19 develop cancer annually in India, against WHO’s global estimate of 400,000. India also carries an exceptionally high burden of sickle cell disease, while an estimated 10,000–15,000 children are born with thalassemia major each year.
These realities give our society a deep understanding of the challenges and unequal access to lifesaving treatments. They also give particular weight to our support for a leader who understands these very well.. We believe Dr Tamamyan would bring to WHO a clinician’s insight, an international leader’s vision and a steadfast commitment to health equity. His experience offers a valuable bridge between global health policy and the practical needs of patients, healthcare professionals and communities.
Dr Satya Prakash Yadav/PHO Chairperson
Dr Shweta Bansal/PHO Secretary.”
About Pediatric Hematology Oncology (PHO) Chapter of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics
The Pediatric Hematology-Oncology (PHO) Chapter of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) is a national professional body dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of children with cancer and blood disorders across India through education, research, advocacy, and policy development. Under the leadership of Chairperson Dr. Satya Prakash Yadav and Honorary Secretary Dr. Shweta Bansal, the chapter works to strengthen pediatric hematology-oncology care through professional training, clinical collaboration, and national initiatives.
Its activities include supporting multicenter clinical research through the Indian Pediatric Hematology Oncology Group (INPHOG). The chapter also publishes the Pediatric Hematology Oncology Journal and organizes the annual Pediatric Hematology Oncology Conference (PHOCON).
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