Maria Van Kerkhove
Maria Van Kerkhove is an esteemed epidemiologist and the interim director for pandemics and epidemics at the World Health Organization (WHO). She has played a pivotal role in the WHO's response to global health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Van Kerkhove is known for her expertise in infectious diseases and public health, often communicating critical information about disease outbreaks and control measures to the public and health professionals. Recently, she was in the news for highlighting the challenges faced by the WHO in obtaining timely influenza reports from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
WHO COVID-19 technical lead Maria Van Kerkhove called the claims about ignoring Taiwan 'all untrue.'
WHO ignored Taiwan on COVID warning: US officials
Taiwan· 2026-01-26
WHO COVID-19 technical lead Maria Van Kerkhove called the claims about ignoring Taiwan 'all untrue.'
WHO denies ignoring Taiwan, as US criticizes COVID-19 responseTaiwan· 2026-01-26Maria Van Kerkhove spoke of the challenges in communicating evolving science to the public during the pandemic.
COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on trust, public-health experts say
Canada· 2025-11-08
María Van Kerkhove is an American epidemiologist who leads the department of Prevention and Preparedness for Epidemics and Pandemics at the WHO.
¿Origen animal o fuga de laboratorio? La OMS admite que el misterio del covid-19 sigue sin resolverse
Costa Rica· 2025-06-28
María Van Kerkhove, epidemióloga estadounidense que dirige el Departamento de Prevención y Preparación ante Epidemias y Pandemias de la OMS.
OMS mantiene todas las hipótesis sobre el origen del covid
Guatemala· 2025-06-27
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove is the technical lead for Covid-19 at WHO.
How Dr Mike Ryan became a victim of ‘desperate’ funding crisis in WHO – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2025-05-16
Maria Van Kerkhove is the acting director for epidemic and pandemic threat management at the WHO, warning against collective amnesia regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cinco años tras la pandemia, la OMS lamenta la "amnesia colectiva" que se ha impuesto
Bolivia· 2025-03-08
Maria Van Kerkhove is the acting director for epidemic and pandemic threat management at the WHO.
Cinco años tras la pandemia, la OMS lamenta la “amnesia colectiva” que se ha impuesto - Mundo
Paraguay· 2025-03-08Maria Van Kerkhove, the head of the Health Emergencies Program at the World Health Organization, expressed hope to resume collaboration with the United States.
منظمة الصحة العالمية تصدر توصيات جديدة بشأن تركيبة لقاح الأنفلونزا الجديد 2026
Egypt· 2025-03-01
Maria Van Kerkhove, interim director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness at the WHO, said at a Feb. 12 press briefing that they haven’t heard anything back from the CDC.
Urgent CDC data and analyses on influenza and bird flu go missing as outbreaks escalate
United States· 2025-02-14
Maria Van Kerkhove expressed concern about the lack of communication with the US regarding bird flu.
ΠΟΥ: «Περιορισμένες πληροφορίες» για τη γρίπη των πτηνών στις ΗΠΑ
Greece· 2025-02-12Maria Van Kerkhove, interim director for pandemics and epidemics at WHO, noted the lack of influenza reports from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
U.S. pause on foreign aid is having a serious impact on global health, WHO chief saysCanada· 2025-02-12