Acting Director, Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Management, Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme, World Health Organization (WHO)
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove is the Acting Director of the Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Management at the World Health Organization (WHO). She has played a pivotal role in global health, notably as COVID-19 Technical Lead and as global Incident Manager during the 2024 mpox outbreak, declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
With over 20 years of experience in infectious disease epidemiology, Dr. Van Kerkhove is known for her expertise in emerging diseases such as Ebola, Zika, MERS, and avian influenza. She is widely recognized for her leadership, diplomacy, and ability to translate complex science into clear, actionable public health guidance. Her work focuses on the human-animal interface in disease transmission, driving policies that improve pandemic preparedness and response. Through science-based leadership, she has shaped global health strategies and supported coordinated international responses to major health emergencies.
