Egypt’s Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar met Kevork Tamamyan, Armenia’s candidate for director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), to discuss his vision for the organisation and key global health priorities.
The Health Ministry said Abdel Ghaffar heard Tamamyan, a specialist in haematology and paediatric oncology, outline his approach to strengthening the WHO’s response to global health challenges, supporting health systems and expanding access to quality, equitable healthcare.
The talks covered the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer and ways to improve early diagnosis, treatment and comprehensive care for children with cancer, an area closely related to Tamamyan’s medical specialisation.
They also addressed the pandemic accord and measures to strengthen prevention, preparedness and response to health emergencies, alongside the need for greater international coordination on public health.
Abdel Ghaffar reviewed Egypt’s positions and proposals presented during the World Health Assembly, stressing the importance of multilateral cooperation and supporting countries’ health priorities.
Tamamyan expressed his readiness to continue coordinating with Egypt and draw on its experience in implementing health initiatives and addressing shared priorities, according to the ministry.
The ministry did not indicate whether Egypt had decided to support Tamamyan’s candidacy for WHO director-general.