Nafis Sadik

Nafis Sadik

Name	Nafis Sadik
Birth name
Birth date	18 August 1929
Birth place	Jaunpur, British India
Death date	14 August 2022
Death place	New York City, United States
Alma mater
Occupation	Physician, United Nations official
Years active
Organization
Known for	Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Nafis Sadik (18 August 1929 – 14 August 2022) was a prominent Pakistani physician and a leading figure in the field of global population and reproductive health. She is best known for her role as the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), where she served from 1987 to 2000. Sadik was the first woman to head one of the United Nations' major voluntarily funded programmes.

Early Life and Education

Nafis Sadik was born in Jaunpur, British India, in 1929. She was the daughter of Iffat Ara and Muhammad Shoaib, a prominent Pakistani civil servant. Sadik pursued her medical education at the Dow Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan, where she earned her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree in 1954. She furthered her education in the United States, obtaining a Master of Science degree in gynecology and obstetrics from Johns Hopkins University.

Career

Medical Practice

After completing her education, Sadik returned to Pakistan, where she began her career as a physician. She worked in various hospitals and clinics, focusing on maternal and child health. Her early experiences in the medical field highlighted the critical need for improved reproductive health services and family planning.

United Nations Population Fund

In 1971, Nafis Sadik joined the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), initially serving as the Chief of the Programme Division. Her work at UNFPA was instrumental in shaping global policies on population and development. In 1987, she was appointed as the Executive Director of UNFPA, becoming the first woman to lead a major United Nations programme.

Under her leadership, UNFPA played a pivotal role in advocating for women's reproductive rights and access to family planning services. Sadik was a key figure in organizing the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo in 1994. The conference marked a significant shift in global population policy, emphasizing the importance of women's health and empowerment as central to sustainable development.

Advocacy and Legacy

Nafis Sadik was a tireless advocate for women's rights and reproductive health. She believed that empowering women and providing them with access to education and healthcare were essential for achieving global development goals. Her work has had a lasting impact on international policies and has inspired many in the field of public health.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Sadik received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to public health and women's rights. These include the United Nations Population Award and the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan. She was also recognized by various international organizations for her leadership and advocacy.

Personal Life

Nafis Sadik was married to Aziz Sadik, and they had five children. She passed away on 14 August 2022 in New York City, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to improving the lives of women and families around the world.

Also see

• United Nations Population Fund
• International Conference on Population and Development
• Reproductive rights
• Women's empowerment