China nominates Song Li for WHO leadership

China has nominated public health official Song Li as its candidate to become the next director-general of the World Health Organization, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on October 8. The World Health Assembly is expected to elect a successor to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in May 2027, before his second term ends in August that year. Mao said the nomination reflected China’s support for multilateralism and its intention to work with other countries on global health. Her comments announce China’s choice, but the WHO’s candidate and review process still lies ahead. The WHO’s website lists Song as head of the Department of Women and Child Health at China’s National Health Commission, with a career spanning 21 years. Her work has included women’s and children’s health policy and international cooperation. Reports also describe her involvement in health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and SARS. Her current institutional role is described differently in the available accounts. The WHO biography identifies her with the National Health Commission, while Chinese media are reported to have listed her in a role at the All-China Women’s Federation.