University of Nottingham: WHO Director General to give guest lecture at the University of Nottingham
The Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) will be giving a virtual guest lecture at the University of Nottingham on Friday 9 July.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is also an Alumnus and Honorary Professor at the University, will lead a lecture and discussion as part of the University’s celebrations marking 50 years of Medicine and 30 years of Nursing.
Covid-19 has impacted everyone on the planet, shining a spotlight on the importance of public health and emphasising the need for strong health systems so that communities can better prepare and respond to any future crises.
As head of the UN’s public health organisation, Dr Tedros has played a prominent role leading the global response to Covid-19 during the past 18 months, while continuing to drive action on a range of health issues from measles and malaria to diabetes and tobacco control.
During the lecture and discussion, Dr Tedros will share experiences and advice with students, staff, alumni and members of the public, on how they and the University can take an active role in protecting the world from pandemics.
I have many fond memories from my time at the University of Nottingham and am honoured to contribute to these anniversary celebrations,” said Dr Tedros. “As nations across the globe face the greatest threat to public health in a generation, I hope to inspire students, staff and alumni to share in WHO’s vision of a healthier, fairer and more sustainable world.”
Dr Tedros has had a distinguished career in public health and international affairs, spanning more than 30 years. He is the first WHO Director General to have been elected by the World Health Assembly and the first person from the Africa Region to serve as WHO’s head. Since taking office in 2017, Dr Tedros has outlined key priorities including universal health coverage, health emergencies, and health impacts of climate and environmental change.
Prior to his role at WHO, Dr Tedros served as Ethiopia’s Minister of Health from 2005 – 2012 and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2012 – 2016. He has also held many leadership positions in global health, including 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.
Professor John Atherton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University, said: “It is great to welcome Dr Tedros back once again to deliver a talk and answer questions from the University community. He is an inspiring figure and staff, students and the wider community are privileged to have the opportunity share his insights on world health.”