Dr Rasul Baghirov

Dr Rasul Baghirov assumed the position as WHO Representative to Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau in January 2017. He was appointed after more than 12 years of service for WHO at regional, sub-regional and country levels.

Before moving to the Pacific, Dr Baghirov served as Coordinator of Integrated Service Delivery at WHO Regional Office for Western Pacific; Team Leader for Health Systems Strengthening at the WHO Office in Cambodia; Health Systems and Services Advisor at the PAHO/AMRO Sub-Regional Programme in the Caribbean; and Technical Officer at WHO Regional Office for Europe.

Throughout his assignments, Dr Baghirov has worked closely with governments, service providers, civil society, health partners and the donor community in designing and implementing evidence-based policies and people-centred services to ensure access to essential health care for all.

Prior to joining WHO, Dr Baghirov worked for the World Bank Group as Human Development Officer in Europe and Central Asia. Trained as a cardiac surgeon in his home country, he was involved in clinical work at the Institute of Experimental Surgery in Azerbaijan. He holds medical and health management/economics degrees from universities in Baku, London, Nottingham and Aberdeen. Dr Baghirov attended Harvard School of Public Health as Takemi Fellow in 2002/2003.