Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Elected as First African Director-General of WHO

In an unprecedented election process engaging the entire membership of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of Ethiopia was elected as the agency’s next Director-General on May 23, 2017. This historic appointment marks the first time an African official has been selected to lead the United Nations health organization.

Dr. Tedros, who commonly goes by his first name, will assume office on July 1, 2017, succeeding Margaret Chan of China, who completed two terms in the role. The election required three rounds of closed-door voting, with Dr. Tedros competing against David Nabarro from the United Kingdom and Sania Nishtar from Pakistan.

According to sources familiar with the vote, the initial round yielded 95 votes for Tedros, 52 for Nabarro, and 38 for Nishtar. As Tedros did not achieve the required two-thirds majority, subsequent rounds were held. In the final round, he secured 133 votes, winning by a comfortable margin.

In his acceptance remarks, Tedros emphasized inclusivity and respect for diversity, stating, “The bottom line is, I think the world needs all three of us,” referring to his fellow candidates. He highlighted the importance of listening to member states rather than imposing decisions, reflecting a collaborative leadership approach.

Universal health coverage emerged as his foremost priority. Tedros underscored that half the global population lacks access to healthcare, asserting, “All the world needs universal health coverage.” He also acknowledged calls from member states for WHO to enhance its role as a leading partner and to lead from the front and center in global health initiatives.

“I believe in us, in making a difference. Through partnership and hard work, anything is possible,” he said.

While Tedros did not explicitly address intellectual property rights during his campaign, health and IP experts noted that his focus on health systems indicates an understanding of the critical balance between access to affordable medical products and fostering innovation. An Ethiopian supporter remarked, “Do not fear him on intellectual property. He understands the importance.”

Regional reactions to his election were positive. The Southeast Asian region expressed expectations that Tedros will prioritize strengthening programs for developing countries. Turkey, speaking on behalf of the European region, conveyed a willingness to engage constructively, stating, “We may not always agree with you. But we will listen to you.”

Delegations from Pakistan and the UK, whose candidates were not elected, extended their congratulations. The UK’s Chief Medical Officer acknowledged the clear mandate given to Tedros, highlighting priorities such as emergency response, organizational reform, and combating antimicrobial resistance. She added with good humor, “I cannot say I am one who voted for you, but we too will be drinking a glass this evening. For some it will be tea. For me it will be champagne.”

The WHO provided a brief background on Dr. Tedros, noting that he was nominated by the Government of Ethiopia and will serve a five-year term starting July 1, 2017. Prior to his election, he served as Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2012 to 2016 and as Minister of Health from 2005 to 2012. His leadership experience extends to global health governance, having chaired the Board of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Roll Back Malaria Partnership Board, and co-chaired the Board of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.

Dr. Tedros’s election represents a significant milestone for African leadership in global health and signals a renewed focus on universal health coverage and collaborative international partnerships under WHO’s stewardship.