Few days ago, Kieran Bligh, Senior Doctoral Researcher and Op-Ed Contributor at Health Policy Watch, shared a post highlighting concerns over accountability and investigations within the World Health Organization.
He pointed out a stark gap between the hundreds of open misconduct cases – including sexual, abusive, and financial violations – and the very few recorded disciplinary actions, noting that no senior staff involved were dismissed. Bligh argued that WHO’s Office of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) has lost its impartiality and that the incoming Director-General in 2027 will inherit a deeply flawed system requiring complete reform.
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, shared Kieran Bligh’s remarks saying:
“Thank you, Kieran Bligh, for raising these important questions.
I have always believed that people are the greatest strength of any organization. Creating a culture where everyone feels respected, protected and empowered, and where integrity and accountability are non-negotiable, is something I care deeply about.
I will personally take a closer look at the concerns you have raised and the evidence behind them. I want to listen, understand the facts and hear from those affected.
I will not hesitate to address difficult and uncomfortable issues, even when others may prefer to avoid them.
That I can promise! For me, the human side of leadership has always been, and will always remain, the most important.
WHO must be the best workplace for everyone.
I encourage everyone who has experienced or witnessed misconduct, or has ideas for making our organization better, to speak up and be part of this conversation.
We must have the courage to confront difficult realities and the determination to turn our words into action!”
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.
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