From fighting Ebola to steering Nigeria through COVID-19, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu has seen it all—and now he’s bringing that expertise to the global stage.
Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has congratulated Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu on his appointment as Executive Director of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Health Emergencies Programme, describing the selection as “the right choice at the right time.”
Dr. Ihekweazu—an internationally respected infectious disease expert—will succeed Dr. Mike Ryan, taking on one of the WHO’s most demanding roles at a time when public health systems worldwide face growing threats from pandemics, climate change, and conflict-driven instability.
In a public statement, Prof. Pate praised Ihekweazu as a principled leader with a global track record and a deep understanding of epidemic intelligence. “Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu is an exceptional leader and a loyal team player,” he said. “His visionary leadership, experience, and unwavering dedication to public health will serve the world well.”
The WHO Health Emergencies Programme leads international responses to disease outbreaks and health crises, including COVID-19, Ebola, and other high-impact threats. Ihekweazu previously served as the first Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), where he led major reforms and positioned the agency as a continental leader in outbreak response. He later joined WHO as Assistant Director-General for Health Emergency Intelligence and Surveillance Systems.
Prof. Pate emphasized the urgency and weight of the role, noting, “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 Nigerian government has pledged its full support for Ihekweazu as he assumes the global role, hailing his appointment as a proud milestone for the country and the continent.
“His appointment reinforces the importance of African leadership in shaping the future of global health,” Prof. Pate added. “We stand behind him fully.”
With his new mandate, Dr. Ihekweazu will steer WHO’s emergency health responses, strengthening global preparedness and ensuring rapid, coordinated responses to health threats—exactly the kind of leadership Prof. Pate says the world needs now more than ever.