Maria Van Kerkhove is a distinguished leader in global health, currently serving as the Acting Director of the Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Threat Management at the World Health Organization (WHO). She has played critical roles as COVID-19 Technical Lead, Emergency Manager, and Global Incident Manager during the 2024 mpox outbreak, declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). 

With over two decades of experience in infectious disease epidemiology, Dr. Van Kerkhove has led responses to COVID-19, Ebola, Zika, MERS, avian influenza, and mpox. A strategic thinker bridging research, policy, and practice, she is widely recognized for her leadership in strengthening global health systems and international collaboration. Her work continues to shape health policy and preparedness, ensuring a rigorous, coordinated response to emerging threats. 

Beyond her technical expertise, Dr. Van Kerkhove has been a calming presence during global crises, providing clear, science-backed guidance to leaders, health officials, and communities. Her ability to translate complex data into actionable recommendations has been instrumental in mitigating public health threats. 

Her research focuses on zoonotic disease transmission at the human-animal interface, ensuring scientific discoveries inform policy and response efforts, particularly in high-risk settings. 

Dr. Van Kerkhove holds a PhD in infectious disease epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She completed undergraduate studies at Cornell University and graduate work at Stanford University Medical School. Before joining WHO, she led the Outbreak Investigation Task Force at Institut Pasteur’s Center for Global Health in Paris and held senior fellowships at Imperial College London’s MRC Center for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling. Earlier, she worked as an epidemiologist in Cambodia at Institut Pasteur.