The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has been honored with the esteemed 2023 CPHIA Lifetime Achievement Award in Public Health.
The honour presented to him during the International Conference on Public Health in Africa held in Lusaka, Zambia, received applause for his dedication and transformative leadership in the field.
The award underscores Dr. Ghebreyesus’ steadfast commitment to advancing global health, particularly during unprecedented crises. Dr. Jean Kasaye, Director General of Africa CDC, praised Dr. Ghebreyesus’ ability to navigate complex health challenges with resilience and foresight.
Emphasising Dr. Ghebreyesus’ dedication to healthcare accessibility, equity, and addressing emerging health threats, Dr. Kasaye highlighted the profound impact on millions worldwide.
A key figure in establishing the Africa CDC, Dr. Ghebreyesus, as Ethiopia’s Minister of Health in 2013, played a crucial role in the African Union’s recognition of the need for an Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) during the Special Summit on HIV, TB, and Malaria (ATM) in Abuja.
Dr. Ghebreyesus stressed that a healthy Africa is fundamental to the continent’s development, peace, and stability, urging African nations to invest in strengthening their health sectors.
The CPHIA Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor conferred by CPHIA, the African Union’s official platform for continental collaboration on public health, is presented to individuals making significant contributions to the advancement of public health in Africa.
Elected as WHO Director-General in 2017, Dr. Ghebreyesus, the first person from Africa to lead the world’s premier public health agency, brought a wealth of experience in healthcare policy and a deep commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare for all.
During his tenure as Ethiopia’s Minister of Health from 2005 to 2012, Dr. Ghebreyesus spearheaded a comprehensive reform of the country’s health system, establishing the groundwork for universal health coverage and expanded access to essential healthcare services, even in remote areas.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ghebreyesus consistently advocated for health equity, championing policies and programs addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
His extensive global health leadership roles included Chair of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Chair of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership, and Co-chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Board.
Dr. Ghebreyesus’ leadership proved pivotal during health emergencies, with a focus on fortifying health systems to respond effectively.
This was evident in WHO’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and various Ebola outbreaks, where his guidance played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of these devastating health crises.
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