Rosdali Diaz, Executive Director of the Pediatric Oncology Department at the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases in Peru, joined the global oncology community in expressing support for Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan’s candidacy for WHO Director-General:
“I had the privilege of meeting Gevorg Tamamyan in Boston in 2015, alongside an incredible Global Health team, including Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, Paola M. Friedrich, Asya Agulnik Agulnik, Naomi E., and Irini Albanti.
From the very beginning, I witnessed his deep love for Armenia, its history, and its people. Over the years, I have seen that same passion transform into meaningful progress in healthcare, touching countless lives and inspiring others to become part of that journey.
From his work across the Asia-Pacific region to his global impact through OncoDaily, Gevorg has shown that leadership is not simply about achievements, but about bringing people together, creating opportunities, and turning a shared vision into reality.
What I admire most is his courage, resilience, humility, and unwavering commitment to improving care for people facing life-threatening diseases, particularly cancer.
I wholeheartedly support your candidacy for WHO leadership, Gevorg. I believe that your passion, humanity, and determination can help build a world where quality healthcare is not a privilege defined by geography, but a right accessible to everyone.
True leadership is measured not only by what we accomplish, but by the lives we touch and the hope we inspire. And you have already shown us what that kind of leadership looks like.
Wishing you every success in this next chapter. The world needs leaders who care as deeply as you do.”
About Dr Rosdali Diaz
Dr. Rosdali Díaz-Coronado, MD, MS, is the Executive Director of the Department of Pediatric Oncology at the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases (INEN) in Peru, where she specializes in pediatric neuro-oncology and quality improvement for CNS tumors.
Dr. Díaz-Coronado serves as the Peruvian Delegate for the Latin American Society of Pediatric Oncology (SLAOP) and is also a member of the Steering Committee for the Multicenter Pediatric Early Warning System (EVAT/PEWS) Working Group. As a key member of the Global Alliance for Pediatric Neuro-Oncology (GAPNO), her work focuses on health systems optimization, overcoming referral delays, and expanding access to quality care for children with cancer 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 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