Nigeria’s Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu has been appointed as the new executive director of the World Health Organisation’s health emergencies programme. The announcement comes as part of a wider leadership restructuring by WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, aimed at improving the agency’s operational effectiveness and global responsiveness.
Dr. Ihekweazu, an epidemiologist, previously served as assistant director-general for health emergency intelligence and surveillance systems at WHO. He also led Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control and, earlier this year, served as acting regional director for Africa at the WHO.
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In his new position, he will oversee WHO’s largest department, which is tasked with coordinating international responses to health emergencies. His appointment follows the departure of Dr. Mike Ryan, who led the programme during critical periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reacting to the news, Nigeria’s coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Professor Ali Pate, described Ihekweazu as “an exceptional leader” and said the appointment was timely, given the world’s growing health challenges.
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