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EXCLUSIVE: Spain To Nominate María Neira As Candidate For WHO Director
Health Policy Watch • • world
Key Points:
- Spain has officially nominated Dr. María Neira for the WHO Director-General election, highlighting a focus on primary prevention and climate-related health risks in the race.
- Dr. Neira's candidacy is supported by a coalition of over 100 civil society groups, including indigenous leaders and public health networks from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, marking the first grassroots campaign for this election.
- Neira brings extensive experience from frontline medical work and two decades as WHO Director for Environment, Climate Change, and Health, advocating for policies addressing root causes of disease through clean energy and sustainable urban planning.
- The election occurs amid WHO's financial challenges and geopolitical tensions, with Neira emphasizing the agency’s influence through scientific and moral authority rather than budget size.
- After the nomination deadline, candidates will participate in a live forum in November, with finalists shortlisted in early 2027 and the final vote at the World Health Assembly in May.
