China nominates public health expert Song Li for top post at WHO

China has formally nominated public health specialist Song Li to be the next director-general of the World Health Organisation. If she wins the election, Song would replace Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose second five-year term ends on August 15, 2027. The World Health Assembly will pick the new head in May 2027 after the WHO Executive Board shortlists up to three candidates.

Career Background

Song has spent her career working inside China's health system, focusing mainly on maternal and child healthcare. She studied clinical medicine at Shandong Medical University and later completed a PhD in public health at Peking University, alongside spending time at Harvard University as a visiting scholar. Her work over two decades has covered midwifery, prenatal diagnosis, assisted reproductive technology, and disease prevention. During the coronavirus pandemic, she helped guide maternal and newborn healthcare measures, including setting up treatment networks for infected pregnant women and editing a control guidance document.

Election Timeline and Context

This is not Song's first run for a WHO leadership role, as China previously nominated her for regional director of the Western Pacific region, though she lost to Saia Ma'u Piukala of Tonga. The current election process started in April 2026, with the nomination deadline closing recently. Other candidates in the race include officials from Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Qatar, Botswana, Indonesia, and Spain. If elected, Song would become the second Chinese national to lead the WHO, following Margaret Chan who served from 2007 to 2017.

Context

The WHO plays a vital global role in coordinating responses to health emergencies and setting international health standards. Leadership changes at the agency often reflect shifting geopolitical influences among major member nations, particularly as countries adjust their levels of engagement and financial support for international bodies.