Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, an esteemed Indian pediatrician and clinical scientist renowned for her research on tuberculosis and HIV, made history as the first Indian to be appointed Deputy Director-General for Programmes (DDP) at the World Health Organization (WHO) in October 2017.
Early Career: Dr. Swaminathan’s career encompasses over three decades of experience in clinical care and research, with a focus on translating scientific findings into impactful health programs.
Leadership in India: Prior to her tenure at WHO, she served as the Director-General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Secretary of the Department of Health Research (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare) for the Government of India from 2015 to 2017.
WHO Roles: In March 2019, Dr. Swaminathan transitioned to the role of Chief Scientist at WHO, where she played a pivotal part in guiding global health policies and research initiatives.
Medical Training: Dr. Swaminathan earned her M.B.B.S. from the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune and an M.D. in Pediatrics from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.
Specialization: She completed a post-doctoral medical fellowship in neonatology and pediatric pulmonology at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
Throughout her career, Dr. Swaminathan has been instrumental in advancing research on tuberculosis and HIV, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based health policies. Her leadership at WHO, particularly during global health challenges, has been marked by a commitment to scientific rigor and public health.
In recognition of her achievements, Dr. Swaminathan has been featured in various interviews and discussions, highlighting her role in global health leadership.
