Nepal Nominated Candidate for WHO Regional Director Role
The nomination follows a leadership vacancy in the South-East Asia regional office requiring a new election.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Nutrition
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Nepal has officially nominated Dr. Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra for the vacant position of World Health Organisation South-East Asia regional director. The post became vacant following the September 9, 2026, resignation of Saima Wazed.
Why it matters
The regional director oversees public health strategies for 11 member countries, making the selection process critical for regional health coordination. The vacancy follows a WHO committee recommendation to dismiss the prior director.
The WHO South-East Asia region comprises 11 member countries, with 10 currently eligible to cast votes in the upcoming election. Myanmar remains ineligible due to ongoing United Nations sanctions.
The players
Dr. Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra
An additional secretary at the Ministry of Health and Health and Food Safety in Nepal who is currently a candidate for the regional director position.
Saima Wazed
The former World Health Organisation South-East Asia regional director who took office in February 2024 and resigned in September 2026.
The details
The regional director role is filled through a voting process among member countries, with candidates undergoing a formal vetting process by the organization. The election serves as the primary mechanism for setting the regional health agenda and administrative leadership. Following the September 2026 vacancy, the WHO established a schedule to review all nominations before the final selection in January 2027.
Timeline
September 8, 2026: A WHO committee recommended the dismissal of Saima Wazed.
September 9, 2026: Saima Wazed resigned from the position of WHO regional director.
October 12, 2026: The WHO is scheduled to announce the full slate of nominations.
December 2026: The organization will vet all applications for the regional role.
January 24, 2027: The WHO will hold elections for the new regional director.
Health Landscape
This election follows the administrative precedents established during the 2023 WHO South-East Asia regional director selection. The process reflects the broader organizational framework governing international health policy and regional leadership succession.
While this leadership change occurs at an administrative level, the regional director's policies influence public health initiatives and resource allocation across member countries. Residents in the region should monitor future WHO bulletins for updates on health directives that may impact regional care access.
The takeaway
The election of a new regional director will determine the strategic focus of health initiatives for millions across South-East Asia. Keep informed by following official WHO updates regarding the January 2027 election cycle.
What happens next
The WHO will formally announce all regional director nominations on October 12, 2026, followed by an application vetting period in December 2026 and the final election on January 24, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on regional health governance, visit the Nutrition section.
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