Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan, Candidate for WHO Director-General, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at Yerevan State Medical University, and Editor-in-Chief of OncoDaily, introduced his official WHO campaign program, “Geography Must Not Decide Who Lives”:
“Today, I am sharing “Geography Must Not Decide Who Lives” – my program as a candidate for World Health Organization Director-General.
It reflects months of work. I have asked for advice, listened to people from around the world, read my fellow candidates’ programs and learned from their ideas too. I have included proposals that reflect my vision and make it stronger. A good idea does not need my name on it.
But this is a living document. It is not written in stone. And today, I am inviting you to help improve it.
Give Me Five.
5 suggestions on what WHO should do, or stop doing. Something that needs to change immediately, in the next few years, or over the longer term.
You do not need to be a global health expert to have something important to say. I want to hear from health workers, patients, families, researchers, and anyone who believes WHO can serve people better. From every part of the world.
Please send your suggestions through our wonderful team members, Dr. Jemma Arakelyan (jemma.arakelyan@oncodaily.com)and Dr. Arpi Asminian (arpi.asminian@oncodaily.com). I promise to read every submission. By the end of this year, we will bring the suggestions together and publish them.
Thank you for your time, your trust and your support. I believe we can create lasting change together, for a healthier and better world.
The World Must Have WHO. WHO for U.”
Read the full program: Geography Must Not Decide Who Lives.
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