Dr. Soumya Swaminathan

FORMER CHIEF SCIENTIST, WHO

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan is a global expert in tuberculosis and HIV research. She is Principal Advisor to National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), Government of India. She was the first Chief Scientist of the World Health Organisation (WHO). During her tenure as WHO’s first Chief Scientist, Dr. Swaminathan established a Science Division focusing on research, quality assurance of norms and standards, and digital health. She played a pivotal role in coordinating global scientific efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) from 2015-2017). With over 40 years of experience in clinical care and research, Dr. Swaminathan has dedicated her career to translating vital research into impactful health programs.