Soumya Swaminathan is an Indian physician and researcher known for her work in the field of public health and infectious diseases. She served as the Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO), where she played a crucial role in guiding global health policies and research initiatives, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Swaminathan has a strong academic background, holding degrees in medicine and a Ph.D. in clinical research. She has contributed significantly to the understanding of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, and has been involved in various health programs aimed at improving health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.