Hans Kluge

Belgian physician and public health expert

Hans Henri P. Kluge is a Belgian physician and public health expert who has been serving as the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe since February 2020. He has played a significant role in addressing public health challenges across the European region, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early Life and Education

Hans Kluge was born in Belgium. He pursued his medical education at the Catholic University of Leuven, where he obtained his medical degree. He further specialized in family medicine and tropical medicine, which laid the foundation for his career in global health.

Career

Early Career

Kluge began his career working in the field of family medicine. His early work took him to various countries, including Sierra Leone, where he gained experience in managing health programs in challenging environments. His work in tropical medicine and his commitment to improving health systems in low-resource settings were pivotal in shaping his career.

World Health Organization

Kluge joined the WHO in 1999, initially working in the WHO Country Office in Myanmar. He later served in various capacities, including as the WHO Representative in Kazakhstan. His work focused on strengthening health systems and improving access to healthcare services.

In 2010, Kluge became the Director of the Division of Health Systems and Public Health at the WHO Regional Office for Europe. In this role, he led efforts to enhance health system performance and address public health challenges across the region.

Regional Director for Europe

Hans Kluge in Copenhagen for RC74, 2024

In February 2020, Hans Kluge was appointed as the WHO Regional Director for Europe. His tenure began just as the COVID-19 pandemic was emerging as a global health crisis. Kluge has been instrumental in coordinating the WHO's response to the pandemic in the European region, advocating for equitable access to vaccines and supporting countries in strengthening their health systems.

Under his leadership, the WHO Regional Office for Europe has focused on key priorities such as universal health coverage, health security, and addressing non-communicable diseases. Kluge has emphasized the importance of solidarity and collaboration among countries to tackle public health challenges.

COVID-19 Pandemic Response

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kluge has been a prominent voice in urging countries to implement effective public health measures. He has highlighted the need for robust testing, contact tracing, and vaccination campaigns to control the spread of the virus. Kluge has also addressed the mental health impact of the pandemic, advocating for increased support and resources for mental health services.

Personal Life

Hans Kluge is known for his dedication to public health and his commitment to improving health outcomes for all. He is fluent in several languages, including English, French, and Russian, which has facilitated his work in diverse international settings.

Related Pages

• World Health Organization
• COVID-19 pandemic
• Public health
• Health systems