31 January 2017 GENEVA —  The Philippines, as part of the select members of the Executive Board, voted to shortlist the candidates for the post of Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Philippines, represented by Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Paulyn Rosell-Ubial, is positioned to shape the outcome of the election and the global health policy agenda significantly as it remains a part of the 34 select members of the Executive Board till 2018.

The WHO is set to have a change of the guard as Dr. Margaret Chan ends her second term this year as Director General of the premier international health organization.

She was elected Director General in November 2006 and will turn over her post in July 2017.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of Ethiopia, Dr. Sania Nishtar of Pakistan, and Dr. David Nabarro of the United Kingdom were named by the Executive Board as the final three nominees to be endorsed to the 194 member states in May for election.  

In previous elections, the members of the Board select one person from the candidates to be endorsed to the World Health Assembly by acclamation.

This year, in an effort to promote transparency and usher in a democratic participatory election, the Executive Board will select three candidates to be endorsed to the World Health Assembly in May 2017 for member state election.

The election in May 2017 will be the first time that member states will be able to vote in the selection of the next Director General.

While the process has been modified this year, the Executive Board remains a prominent figure in influencing the direction of the election. END