Soumya Swaminathan, an Indian Doctor, currently serving as director general of Indian Council of Medical Research, has been appointed as the deputy director-general of World Health Organisation. Deputy Director General is considered as the second highest position at the organisation headquartered in Geneva.
The top leadership team saw a number of changes and now has representatives from 14 countries. The same was announced by the director-general of WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Speaking at the announcement of the new team, Tedros stated that the new team, which includes 60% women members, will play a huge part is activities initiated to keep the world safe.
Soumya Swaminathan is widely known for her work in Tuberculosis. She is the daughter of Dr MS Swaminathan, who is known as the Father of Green Revolution in the country. Prior to this appointment, Soumya has worked with UNICEF for 2 years between 2009 and 2011.
In her current position, she will replace Ghana’s Dr Anarfi Asamoa-Baah. He has been appointed as the policy advisor to the WHO director general.