WHO Director-General Honors Dr. Rik Peeperkorn for Three Decades of Service to Global Health
Geneva, Dec 30, 2025 — World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has publicly recognized Dr. Rik Peeperkorn for his remarkable leadership and more than 30 years of dedicated service in global public health. Dr. Peeperkorn has held key roles in challenging environments, including Afghanistan and, most recently, the occupied Palestinian territory.
In his message, Dr. Tedros expressed deep appreciation for Dr. Peeperkorn’s commitment to improving health outcomes in some of the world’s most difficult and crisis-affected regions. “Thank you, Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, for your leadership at WHO and your unwavering dedication to global public health,” he said, wishing him success and fulfillment in retirement.
The WHO chief also extended his gratitude to the broader community of humanitarians who work tirelessly to protect and promote health in conflict zones, disaster-hit areas, and other crisis situations. “Their work ensures the well-being of people whose lives are disrupted by wars, disasters, and emergencies,” Dr. Tedros noted, highlighting the critical role of humanitarian efforts in global health security.
Dr. Peeperkorn’s career has been defined by a commitment to tackling complex health challenges in fragile settings. His contributions have strengthened WHO’s mission to deliver essential health services, coordinate emergency responses, and support vulnerable populations worldwide.
As Dr. Peeperkorn retires, WHO and the global health community reflect on his decades-long impact, marking the end of a distinguished chapter in international public health leadership.
