Armed with an internationally acclaimed public-health record, particularly its success in combating HIV/AIDS, Botswana is seeking to leverage its global health credentials to rally support for President Duma Boko’s preferred candidate for the World Health Organization’s top job, Dr Gevorg Tamamyan, whom the President believes can steer the organisation towards greater effectiveness and responsiveness to the needs of underserved communities.
In a nomination letter addressed to the chairperson of the WHO Executive Board, Boko formally proposed Tamamyan for appointment as Director-General at the World Health Assembly in May 2027.
The President makes clear that Botswana wants a WHO that delivers tangible results, particularly for vulnerable populations, and believes Tamamyan possesses the commitment needed to advance that vision.
Botswana is also bringing its own public-health credentials into the leadership contest, positioning its experience in confronting major health challenges as part of the case for a more effective global health institution.
Boko argues that mounting pressure on multilateral institutions demands stronger leadership and greater institutional effectiveness rather than a diminished role for the WHO.
“At a moment when multilateral institutions are under strain as rarely before, my Government believes the answer is not a diminished WHO but a demonstrably effective one,” he writes.
The President draws on Botswana’s own healthcare challenges to underline the importance of an international health organisation capable of responding effectively to the needs of member states.
His position suggests that Botswana’s nomination is driven not merely by the search for a new WHO leader, but by a desire for an organisation that delivers meaningful improvements in healthcare access, particularly for communities historically left behind.
Botswana’s endorsement comes against the backdrop of a public-health record that has earned international recognition, particularly in its response to HIV/AIDS.
In May 2025, the country became the first in the world to achieve Gold Tier status on the WHO’s Path to Elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV as a public health problem.
The achievement followed its earlier Silver Tier recognition in 2021, making Botswana the first high HIV-burden country to reach that milestone.
The country’s progress has been built on sustained political commitment, expanded access to treatment, integrated healthcare services and partnerships with international organisations.
WHO figures show that mother-to-child HIV transmission in Botswana declined from more than 40 percent in 2006 to below two percent in 2024.
These achievements give Botswana an important platform from which to advocate for stronger global health leadership. They also allow the country to draw on its own experience in making healthcare more accessible and translating policy commitments into measurable outcomes.
The nomination therefore carries a broader message: a country that has confronted one of the world’s most devastating public-health crises and achieved internationally recognised progress wants to see those lessons reflected in global health governance.
Boko reveals that his endorsement followed a personal assessment of Tamamyan, whose commitment to underserved communities convinced him that the candidate could advance Botswana’s vision for the organisation.
“I have met Dr. Tamamyan and satisfied myself that his commitment to those who are furthest from care is not rhetorical, and it is on that basis, and not on any other, that Botswana puts his name forward.”
The President describes Tamamyan as ideally placed to serve as the WHO’s chief technical and administrative officer, signalling his confidence in the candidate’s ability to provide the leadership the organisation requires.
Boko also pledges that Botswana and its nominee will observe the code of conduct governing the election.
Tamamyan is among seven candidates announced by the WHO on 29 October. The first candidates’ forum, scheduled for 18–19 November in Geneva, will provide an opportunity for contenders to present their vision and engage with member states and associate members.
Member states will appoint the next Director-General in May 2027, with the successful candidate expected to take office on 16 August 2027.
