Soumya Swaminathan

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan is a leading global health expert with over three decades of experience in clinical care, research, and policy. She served as the inaugural Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization (2019–2022), where she played a key role in coordinating global COVID-19 response strategies and promoting equitable access to health innovations. Prior to that, she was Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research and Secretary of the Department of Health Research, Government of India. A pediatrician and globally recognized researcher on tuberculosis and HIV, she has published over 300 peer-reviewed articles. Dr. Swaminathan currently chairs the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and continues to advise governments and institutions on health systems and preparedness.