China announces candidate for WHO chief

China has nominated Dr Song Li for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), reaffirming its commitment to multilateralism and stronger international cooperation on global health.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Thursday that the nomination reflects China's willingness to work with other countries to advance global health and improve the well-being of people worldwide.

Dr Song has more than 20 years of experience in maternal and child health policy and international cooperation. She currently serves as a member of the secretariat of the All-China Women's Federation.

Mao said the WHO faces mounting challenges amid growing pressure on multilateralism, making strong leadership increasingly important.

She expressed confidence that Dr Song, if elected, would help strengthen the WHO's role in addressing global health challenges and promoting international cooperation.

Other candidates for the WHO head position who have been officially announced include Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari of Qatar; Dr. Hanan Balkhy of Saudi Arabia; Dr. Hans Kluge of Belgium; Dr. María Neira of Spain; Indonesian candidate Budi Gunadi Sadikin; and Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan of Botswana.

The deadline for candidacies was Sept. 24, but countries can take time to publicly announce their hopefuls.

The WHO’s executive board, which meets in late January and early February, will winnow down the list to three candidates for consideration by member countries at the World Health Assembly in May, when the next director-general will be elected.

Tedro’ term will end on Aug. 15.