LONDON/GENEVA—The chief scientist of the World Health Organization said on Nov. 15 she was leaving the agency, the first of a series of high-profile departures expected at the global health body as it prepares for a post-pandemic future.
The exit of Soumya Swaminathan, an Indian pediatrician, announced on Twitter, comes as Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’s second term as leader of the 74-year-old U.N. agency gets underway. Swaminathan did not give a reason.
A WHO spokesperson declined to comment.
Tedros, who began his second term in August, has given no reasons for any broader reshuffle, and some of the staff are retiring. It is common for WHO directors to adjust their top team when starting a new period in office.
Diplomats say that some donors have also privately suggested reforms to streamline Tedros’ 18-member leadership team based in the Geneva headquarters.
“It’s not bad for efficiency if there are fewer people in these positions,” said a Geneva-based diplomat. Another said it is expected that some of the posts will be left empty. It is not yet clear when WHO will announce who will take up the roles.
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