International organizations and global health leaders continue to congratulate Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at Yerevan State Medical University and Editor-in-Chief of OncoDaily, on his candidacy for WHO Director-General.
Congratulations continue also from the Middle East and Mediterranean region. This time, Prof. Dr. Suzana Kerliu, President of the Mediterranean Task Force for Cancer Control (MTCC), welcomed the announcement:
“An important moment for global health leadership.
I welcome the announcement of Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan’s candidacy for Director-General of the World Health Organization, following his nomination by the Republic of Botswana.
As a pathologist and President of the Mediterranean Task Force for Cancer Control (MTCC), I recognize the importance of global health leadership that places cancer prevention and control, early and accurate diagnosis, health equity, and access to quality care at the center of the international health agenda.
Dr. Tamamyan’s background in pediatric oncology and his longstanding engagement in global cancer care bring an important perspective to the discussions surrounding the future leadership of WHO.
His candidacy provides an opportunity for meaningful dialogue about how WHO can strengthen health systems and improve outcomes for patients and communities worldwide. I look forward to following this important process and the discussions ahead.”
About Suzana Kerliu
Prof. Dr. Suzana Manxhuka-Kerliu, MD, PhD, is a distinguished Kosovo-based pathologist, medical educator, and leader in global oncology. She serves as President of the Mediterranean Task Force for Cancer Control (MTCC) and previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Prishtina, where she was also a longtime Professor of Pathology.
Internationally trained at institutions including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the University of Zagreb, she has been an active member of the European Society of Pathology since 1990. Her work spans cancer prevention, pathology research, early diagnosis, and cross-border healthcare, with a strong commitment to advancing cancer care through international collaboration.
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