The World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu to head the organisation’s health emergencies programme.
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WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus announced the major reshuffle on Friday as part of efforts to streamline operations and enhance the organisation’s capacity to respond rapidly to global health threats.
Ihekweazu, who previously served as WHO’s assistant director-general for health emergency intelligence and surveillance systems, will now oversee the organisation’s largest department, responsible for coordinating international responses to health emergencies. The Nigerian-German epidemiologist replaces Dr. Mike Ryan, who is stepping down after leading the programme through several crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before joining WHO, Ihekweazu was the founding director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), where he played a crucial role in developing Nigeria’s health security framework.
The leadership overhaul includes broader structural changes across the organisation. WHO divisions have been consolidated into four key pillars, with only select senior leaders remaining in office. Dr. Jeremy Farrar will become assistant director-general for health promotion, disease prevention and control, while Dr. Sylvie Briand has been appointed WHO’s chief scientist.
Dr. Yukiko Nakatani and Dr. Razia Pendse will continue in their current roles, providing continuity amid the changes.
According to Ghebreyesus, the appointments reflect WHO’s commitment to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its leadership. The changes will take effect on June 16, 2025, before the next World Health Assembly.
With his extensive experience in public health leadership and emergency preparedness, Ihekweazu is now positioned to play a central role in strengthening global health emergency response systems.
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