Upon his recent announcement about being a candidate for WHO DG, Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan is celebrated by not only colleagues from around the world, but also professional organizations, where he has prominent influence.
Among them, the largest pediatric oncology organization in the world, International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP), shared their full support for his candidacy:
“Major Global Health News!
I am thrilled to share some extraordinary news with our community.
Our SIOP Board Member and SIOP Asia Continental President, Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan, has been officially nominated as a candidate for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO)!
We are incredibly proud to see one of our own leaders standing on the world stage.
Gevorg’s tireless advocacy as a paediatric oncologist and leader within SIOP – International Society of Paediatric Oncology has had a profound impact globally. Having such a passionate champion for childhood cancer in the running for WHO’s top leadership post is an immense honour for our entire community.
Please join me in extending our warmest congratulations to Gevorg! We wish him the absolute best throughout this journey and look forward to supporting him every step of the way.
Read the official candidate announcement here: Prospective candidates for the post of WHO Director-General.”
About SIOP
SIOP is the only global multidisciplinary society entirely devoted to paediatric and adolescent cancer.
The society has over 4000 members worldwide including doctors, nurses, other health-care professionals, scientists and researchers.
Members are dedicated to increasing knowledge about all aspects of childhood cancer.
SIOP’s vision is that no child should die of cancer: cure for more, care for all.
Mission: Improve the lives of children and adolescents with cancer through global collaboration, education, training, research and advocacy.
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.
Watch HRH Princess Dina Mired’s interview with Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan: Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan: The Man Who Challenged Cancer Hierarchies