Former Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu, has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Health Emergencies Programme.
Ihekweazu’s appointment is part of a broader leadership shake-up announced by Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
The shake-up aims to streamline the agency’s operations and enhance its responsiveness to global health challenges.
Ihekweazu, who previously served as the Assistant Director-General for Health Emergency Intelligence and Surveillance Systems at WHO, steered the NCDC through the COVID-19 period under president Muhammadu Buhari’s regime.
In February, he was appointed WHO acting regional director for Africa.
In his new role as head of health emergencies programme, he will oversee the organisation’s largest department, responsible for coordinating responses to health emergencies worldwide.
His appointment follows the departure of Mike Ryan, who had led the health emergencies programme through critical periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has congratulated Ihekweazu on his appointment.
In a statement on Sunday, Pate described the appointment as “the right choice at the right time,” especially in these uncertain times marked by pandemics, climate-related health threats, and fragile health systems.
“Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu is an exceptional leader and a loyal team player. I am confident that his tenure will further strengthen global health security and emergency preparedness. His visionary leadership, experience, and unwavering dedication to public health will serve the world well,” he said.
“The world is changing rapidly, and the future of global health depends on bold, trusted, and compassionate leadership. Dr. Ihekweazu embodies all of this—and more. The WHO has made an excellent choice.”
