Speaker
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan
First Chief Scientist of WHO
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan is an Indian paediatrician, clinical scientist, and global public health leader, internationally recognised for pioneering work in tuberculosis and HIV research and in global health policy. She served as the first Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization and played a key role in coordinating scientific efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Born on 2 May 1959 in Chennai, she earned her MBBS from the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, and an MD in Paediatrics from AIIMS, New Delhi, later completing advanced training in paediatric pulmonology and neonatology in the United States. Before joining the WHO she served as Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research and Secretary, Department of Health Research. At the WHO she first served as Deputy Director-General for Programmes before becoming its inaugural Chief Scientist. She is currently Chairperson of the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and continues to advise national and international public health initiatives.