Babatunde Osotimehin

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Babatunde Osotimehin (6 February 1949 – 4 June 2017) was a Nigerian physician and public health expert who served as the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) from 2011 until his death in 2017. Prior to his role at the UNFPA, Osotimehin was Nigeria's Minister of Health between 2008 and 2010, where he was known for his work in advocating for women's rights and his efforts to increase access to reproductive and maternal health services in Nigeria.

Early Life and Education

Babatunde Osotimehin was born in Ogun State, Nigeria. He completed his medical studies at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where he received a Doctor of Medicine degree. Furthering his education, he obtained a Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Birmingham, UK. His academic and professional pursuits were driven by a passion for public health, particularly in the areas of HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and family planning.

Career

Osotimehin's career spanned both national and international health policy and development. As Nigeria's Minister of Health, he implemented policies aimed at improving the health care delivery system, focusing on primary health care development and the reduction of maternal and child mortality. He was instrumental in advocating for the prohibition of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria and worked tirelessly to improve access to contraceptives and other reproductive health services.

In 2011, Osotimehin was appointed as the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, where he championed global efforts to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights, youth empowerment, and gender equality. Under his leadership, UNFPA advanced programs that aimed at ending preventable maternal deaths, addressing unmet needs for family planning, and stopping gender-based violence and harmful practices against women and girls.

Legacy

Osotimehin was a global leader in public health, respected for his dedication to advancing human rights and gender equality. His work has left a lasting impact on global health policies and practices, particularly in the areas of reproductive health and family planning. He was a strong advocate for women's rights, believing that empowering women and girls was key to achieving sustainable development goals.

Death

Babatunde Osotimehin passed away on 4 June 2017. His death was a significant loss to the global health community, which mourned the passing of a committed advocate for health and equality.

See Also

• United Nations Population Fund
• Reproductive Health
• Maternal Health
• Gender Equality