Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu has been appointed as the new head of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) health emergencies programme, following a major leadership reorganisation announced by WHO director-general, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus.
The reshuffle, revealed on Friday, is aimed at streamlining WHO operations and improving its ability to respond swiftly to global health threats. Ihekweazu, a Nigerian-German epidemiologist and former director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), previously served as WHO’s assistant director-general for health emergency intelligence and surveillance systems.
In his new role, he will oversee WHO’s largest department, coordinating international responses to health emergencies. His appointment comes as Dr. Mike Ryan, who previously led the programme during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, steps down.
The leadership overhaul also includes structural changes within WHO. The organisation’s divisions have been consolidated into four key pillars and only a select number of former senior leaders will remain in office. Dr. Jeremy Farrar will take on the role of assistant director-general for health promotion, disease prevention and control, while Dr. Sylvie Briand is set to become WHO’s chief scientist.
Continuity will be maintained through the ongoing roles of Dr. Yukiko Nakatani and Dr. Razia Pendse.
Ghebreyesus stated that the new appointments reflect WHO’s commitment to gender balance and geographical diversity. The changes will officially take effect on June 16, 2025, ahead of the next World Health Assembly.
Ihekweazu’s appointment is seen as a strategic move, given his vast experience in public health leadership and emergency preparedness. As the founding director-general of NCDC, he was instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s health security framework and is now positioned to play a central role in strengthening global health emergency response systems.
