Remembering Dr. David Nabarro: A Lifelong Commitment to Global Health and Equity

Strategic Insights -

Dr. David Nabarro, a respected champion of global health and equity, passed away on July 25, 2023, at the age of 75. As a WHO Special Envoy on COVID-19, Nabarro dedicated his life to improving the lives of others, particularly in areas of malaria control, humanitarian crisis response, and outbreaks. His work had a profound impact on many lives worldwide, and his legacy will continue through the next generation of leaders working towards global health and sustainable development.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Nabarro held various senior leadership positions at WHO from 1999-2005, including Executive Director of the Roll Back Malaria Project and the Office of the Director-General.
  • He served as UN System Senior Coordinator for Avian and Pandemic Influenza (2005-2014), UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Food Security and Nutrition (2008-2014), and Coordinator of the Movement for Scaling Up Nutrition (2011-2014).
  • Nabarro was appointed as WHO's Special Envoy on COVID-19 in March 2020 and held this position until his passing in July 2023.
  • He co-founded and was Strategic Director of the Swiss-based 4SD Foundation (Skills Systems and Synergies for Sustainable Development) in 2018, training and mentoring leaders for sustainable development.
  • David was Co-Director and Chair of Global Health at the Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College, London, and received the World Food Prize for leadership on nutrition in 2018.
  • King Charles III knighted David Nabarro in 2023 for his contributions to global health.

Statistics:

  • Dr. Nabarro held senior leadership positions at WHO for 6 years (1999-2005).
  • He served as UN System Senior Coordinator for 9 years (2005-2014).
  • The Movement for Scaling Up Nutrition, which Nabarro coordinated, has been active since 2011.
  • The UN's September 2019 Climate Action Summit contributed to the transformation of food systems.
  • David co-chaired the forum on Climate Change and Health that completed its work at the World Innovation Summit for Health in November 2020.

Sources:

  • World Health Organisation (WHO)
  • United Nations News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/)
  • 4SD Foundation (Skills Systems and Synergies for Sustainable Development)
  • Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College, London