Belgium nominates Hans Kluge for WHO Director-General
The Belgian government has nominated Hans Kluge for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Belgian doctor announced on Friday via X, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Kluge, who serves as WHO Regional Director for Europe, said he was “deeply honoured” by Belgium’s trust and confidence and grateful for the opportunity to seek the position.
In accordance with WHO’s established procedures, he is taking special leave from his role as WHO Regional Director for Europe. During this period, Kluge said he plans to engage with member states, partners and civil society, listen to their perspectives and exchange views on the future of WHO and global health.
WHO Europe will continue its work under the leadership of Dr Corinne Capuano during Kluge’s leave. He expressed confidence in her leadership and wished her success in the role.
“Serving WHO has been the greatest privilege of my professional life,” Kluge said. He added that he approaches the next chapter with humility, optimism and a steadfast commitment to the values that unite WHO in improving health for all.
Kluge also reaffirmed his commitment to WHO, its member states and the organization’s values, and expressed his deep respect for WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and his leadership.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Healthcare, Akmaral Alnazarova, met with the World Health Organization Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, to discuss expanding cooperation on primary healthcare and strengthening health system resilience.
