Daniel Ortiz-Morales, MD. MSc

I am honored to announce my candidacy for Director-General of the World Health Organization, nominated by the Republic of Botswana. I am deeply grateful to President ​Advocate Duma Gideon Boko and the Government of Botswana for their trust. Botswana has shown the world what determined national leadership can achieve in the face of extraordinary health challenges. I am honored to be nominated by a country with such a powerful story of resilience and progress. I have spent my career as a pediatric oncologist, building care in places where resources were limited and communities were underserved. I have seen children survive when few believed they would. And I have seen children die simply because of where they were born. Geography must not decide who lives. Growing up, the words “recommended by WHO” meant trust. Today, in a world of misinformation and eroding confidence in institutions, we must ensure that the world continues to have WHO—stronger, more agile, and better aligned with today’s realities. My vision is clear: a World Health Organization that delivers—faster, more effectively, and in true partnership with Member States—so that progress in health reaches every person, everywhere. It is also an honor to stand alongside such distinguished candidates, each bringing​ important experience and perspectives to this process. In the months ahead, I look forward to listening to and engaging with Member States across every region of the world. Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan @WHO @duma_boko @BWGovernment