Claudia Sheinbaum Confirms Hugo López-Gatell as Mexico’s Representative to the WHO

Web Editor

June 30, 2025

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Background on Hugo López-Gatell and His Relevance

Hugo López-Gatell, previously Mexico’s Undersecretary of Health, has been a prominent figure during the COVID-19 pandemic. His role in shaping Mexico’s response to the crisis has made him a well-known public health official both domestically and internationally.

Sheinbaum’s Confirmation

Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City and acting head of the federal government, confirmed on Monday that Hugo López-Gatell has been appointed as Mexico’s representative to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Sheinbaum stated: “I appointed him, and I can say it without any issues.”

Appointment Details

Sheinbaum clarified that the appointment does not require approval from Mexico’s Senate.

Furthermore, the exact date for López-Gatell’s start at the WHO has yet to be determined.

Social Media Announcement and Skepticism

María Elena Álvarez-Buylla, former director of Mexico’s National Council for Science and Technology (Conacyt), announced on social media that López-Gatell had been chosen for the position.

However, Senator Gerardo Fernández NoroàƒÂ¡, president of the Senate, initially cast doubt on the announcement. He claimed that the Senate had not received any official proposal for this international appointment, as per the legislative process.

Key Questions and Answers

  • Who is Hugo López-Gatell? Hugo López-Gatell is a Mexican epidemiologist and former Undersecretary of Health who played a significant role in Mexico’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • What is his new role? López-Gatell has been appointed as Mexico’s representative to the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • Is Senate approval required for this appointment? No, according to Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City and acting head of the federal government, Senate approval is not needed for this appointment.
  • When will López-Gatell start his new role? The exact date for López-Gatell’s commencement at the WHO has not been determined yet.
  • Why was there initial skepticism about the appointment? Senator Gerardo Fernández NoroàƒÂ¡ initially doubted the appointment because he claimed that the Senate had not received any official proposal for this international position, as per the legislative process.