Outgoing WHO Assistant Director-General Dr Jeremy Farrar will lead PATH’s regional division for Asia, the Middle East, and Europe starting in October, the organisation announced in a press release on Wednesday (9 September). Based in Geneva, he joins the executive leadership team to accelerate the delivery of health technologies across these regions.

“Dr Farrar joins PATH at a time when countries are increasingly seeking sustainable ways to expand access to health services and innovations,” the organisation explained in a statement to Health Policy Watch. “His leadership will strengthen our ability to work with governments and partners to deliver lasting health impact across the region.”

Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Seattle, PATH is an international global health non-profit that develops medical technologies for low-resource settings. Operating on an annual budget of over $371 million (2024) – funded primarily by philanthropic foundations and public government grants – the organisation employs approximately 1,600 people across more than 70 countries to advance vaccines, diagnostics, and health system innovations.

Farrar’s appointment targets regional health challenges by connecting scientific innovation directly with local primary healthcare systems to fortify outbreak preparedness, according to the organisation.

Return to regional roots

The appointment, in a sense, returns Farrar to the roots of some of his pre-WHO work and specializations. From 1996 to 2013, he directed the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in Vietnam before serving for a decade the head of the UK-based Wellcome Trust. He joined WHO in 2023, first as Chief Scientist, then last year taking on this position of Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care, under a major reorganization launched by Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus after the United States withdrew from the organisation, triggering a budget crisis.

Earlier this year Farrar, perhaps the UK’s best-known scientist, was mooted as a possible successor to Tedros, whose term ends next year. But Farrar later told colleagues and media that he was not interested in competing for the post, which would have also required a formal government nomination. Four candidates have since declared their candidacy, in candidacies nominated by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Belgium, and Indonesia.

Jeremy Farrar leads regional expansion

In his new role, Farrar will oversee operations connecting governments, research institutes, and medical manufacturers. The appointment aligns with PATH’s Strategy 2030, which focusses on bridging the gap between scientific innovation and real-world impact by strengthening primary healthcare systems and regional partnerships.

His future division managed $35.99 million in regional programme expenses in 2024, according to PATH’s 2024 financial summary. His team will focus on translating scientific breakthroughs into accessible tools for underserved communities.

“Joining PATH at this moment is a very exciting opportunity,” said Farrar in the press release.

He emphasised the need to address health threats with urgency while preparing for future global health shifts.

“Jeremy is an exceptional leader, and we’re very pleased to welcome him to PATH,” added PATH President and CEO Nikolaj Gilbert.

Leadership transition follows WHO departure

His arrival at PATH follows his departure from the WHO, where he officially steps down on 30 September. Official statements and an internal communication from WHO Director-General Tedros described the exit as a routine retirement upon reaching the official UN retirement age limit.

However, several sources characterised the exit as unusual, suggesting a resignation. Tedros had reportedly offered Farrar an exceptional contract extension beyond retirement age, which he declined. Following that, the Director-General announced that another longstanding senior WHO official, Bruce Aylward, will step into the ADG role upon Farrar’s departure.

The leadership transition comes ahead of the upcoming election of the WHO Director-General and amidst severe financial and political ruptures.

PATH stated that Farrar was not available to address specific questions regarding his transition or operational priorities before assuming office on 1 October.

Health Policy Watch reached out to the WHO for comments but had received no response by the time of publication.

Image Credits: Flickr – US Mission Geneva.