The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has been named to TIME magazine’s 2025 list of the 100 most influential people in the world. This marks the second time Dr. Tedros has received the distinction, which recognizes individuals across various sectors, including politics, science, the arts, and global leadership.

The annual list, published by TIME, highlights individuals who have made significant impact in their respective fields over the past year. Dr. Tedros was recognized for his ongoing leadership at the World Health Organization, particularly in promoting global access to health services and managing international health crises.

In a message shared on social media following the announcement, Dr. Tedros noted that the recognition also reflects the efforts of the wider WHO team. “My inclusion on the list is also a recognition of my colleagues at the World Health Organization,” he wrote.

Contributing to the TIME profile, Dr. Larry Brilliant, an epidemiologist known for his work on the global eradication of smallpox, highlighted Dr. Tedros’ leadership since assuming the role of Director-General in 2017. “He has transformed the health coverage of our world,” wrote Dr. Brilliant. He emphasized Tedros’ handling of global health challenges through what he described as “principled leadership and scientific decision-making.”

Dr. Tedros, who is currently serving his second term as WHO Director-General, previously held various leadership roles in Ethiopia’s health sector. He served as Minister of Health from 2005 to 2012 and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2012 to 2016. During his time as Minister of Health, he led a major expansion of primary healthcare services in Ethiopia, launched the health extension program, and oversaw a reduction in maternal and child mortality rates.

Born in Asmara, Eritrea, Dr. Tedros holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Asmara, a master’s degree in infectious disease from the University of London, and a PhD in community health from the University of Nottingham. He has held various positions in public health and research, including as Director of Malaria Research and as head of the Tigray Regional Health Bureau.

He became the first African to head the World Health Organization in 2017 after a competitive selection process. His appointment marked a number of firsts for the agency: he is the first non-medical doctor to serve as Director-General and the first to lead the organization during a global pandemic of the scale seen with COVID-19.

During his first term, Dr. Tedros led the WHO’s response to COVID-19, advocating for vaccine equity and launching the COVAX initiative to ensure fair distribution of vaccines globally. His tenure also saw calls for stronger international health regulations and preparedness strategies in response to future pandemics.

His leadership, however, has not been without criticism or controversy. Some Ethiopian officials have accused him of political bias due to his past affiliation with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), particularly during Ethiopia’s internal conflict. Dr. Tedros has denied any political involvement in the conflict and has maintained his focus on global public health.

Despite political tensions, he was re-elected to a second term as WHO Director-General in 2022 with broad support from member states. Under his leadership, the organization has continued to prioritize health system strengthening, pandemic preparedness, and universal health coverage.

Dr. Tedros’ inclusion in TIME’s 2025 list underscores the continued visibility of global health leadership on the international stage, particularly as countries work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for future public health threats.