BIOSKETCH

Dr Christos Christou is the outgoing International President of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), leading the organization from 2019 to 2025 through some of the most complex and politically challenging humanitarian crises of recent decades.

He first joined MSF in 2002 as a field doctor in migration projects in Greece and HIV/AIDS programmes in sub-Saharan Africa, before returning as a trauma surgeon in conflict settings including Sudan, South Sudan, Iraq, Cameroon, and Yemen.

Born in Trikala, Greece, Dr Christou studied medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and specialized in general and transplantation surgery at Evangelismos General Hospital in Athens. He later continued his clinical career in London as Colorectal Surgery Fellow at King’s College Hospital and Consultant at North Middlesex University Hospital.

He holds a PhD in surgery and is a Fellow of the European Board of Surgery in Coloproctology. He also holds an MSc in International Health – Health Crisis Management and is a member of its faculty at the University of Athens. He regularly lectures at universities on humanitarian diplomacy, health in conflicts, and leadership in crisis settings.

In 2025, Dr Christou was included in the TIME100 list, recognized among the most influential voices shaping the future of giving. He has spoken at major international platforms including the United Nations, WHA, COP28, ECOSOC, WISH, and the World Health Summit.