Armenia will spend AMD 13 million (US$27,200) to assist Tatul Hakobyan mount a campaign to become the next European Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Armenian Ministry of Health says the money will compensate Hakobyan for costs incurred in presenting a policy agenda and related expenses.

Each of the 53 member states of the WHO’s European branch will vote this September to elect a new director.

This is the first time that a candidate from Armenia will vie for the post.

Hakobyan served as Armenian Deputy Minister of Health (2002-2010). He then worked at various post within the WHO and has served as the organization’s representative in Slovakia since 2017.