The Secretary General of the Mediterranean Task Force for Cancer Control, Pr. Pier Giorgio Natali, joined the celebration of Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan’s recent announcement about being nominated as a candidate for WHO Director-General, endorsing him for the position.
“Endorsement of the Candidacy of Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan for Director-General of the World Health Organization
As Secretary General of the Mediterranean Task Force for Cancer Control (MTCC), I wish to express my strong and unconditional endorsement of the candidacy of Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization.
In view of Dr. Tamamyan’s academic and clinical work, as well as his creative and supportive contributions to cancer care and medical organizations, I particularly recognize his leadership in founding the Institute of Cancer and Crisis, an initiative calling for improved cancer care and access to essential health services for populations affected by armed conflict.
Since its foundation in 2015, the Mediterranean Task Force for Cancer Control (MTCC) has been committed to influencing policies and promoting programs and activities aimed at eliminating disparities in cancer prevention and control, regardless of gender, ethnicity, political affiliation, religious belief, socioeconomic status, or place of residence.
Dr. Tamamyan’s professional commitment and humanitarian vision are closely aligned with these principles. His work reflects the importance of equitable access to quality cancer care and of strengthening health systems for vulnerable and underserved populations.
On behalf of the Mediterranean Task Force for Cancer Control and its members, I therefore convey our sincere support for Dr. Tamamyan’s nomination and wish him every success in his candidacy.”
About Pier Giorgio Natali
Professor Pier Giorgio Natali, MD, PhD, is a distinguished Italian oncologist, immunologist, and global advocate for cancer prevention and control. He currently serves as the Secretary General of the Mediterranean Task Force for Cancer Control (MTCC), an organization established in 2004 to reduce cancer burden and mortality across the Mediterranean region-spanning countries in Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East-through early detection, education, and regional collaboration.
Throughout his career, Dr. Natali has held major leadership roles in oncology, including Scientific Director and Professor of Immunology and Molecular Pathology at the Regina Elena National Cancer Institute in Rome, as well as President of the Italian Cancer Society. He is also a co-founder of the historic Charter of Paris Against Cancer and a Fellow of the Collegium Ramazzini.
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