Tedros Adhanom

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (born 3 March 1965) is an Ethiopian biologist, public health researcher, and official who has served as the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2017. Prior to his role at WHO, Tedros was the Minister of Health from 2005 to 2012 and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2012 to 2016 in Ethiopia. He has been a prominent figure in global health, leading initiatives to combat diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis, as well as efforts to improve health systems in developing countries.

Early Life and Education

Tedros was born in Asmara, which was part of Ethiopia at the time and is now the capital of Eritrea. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Asmara in 1986. Following his undergraduate studies, Tedros received a Master of Science in Immunology of Infectious Diseases from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in 1992. He then completed his PhD in Community Health from the University of Nottingham in 2000, focusing on the effects of dam construction on the transmission of malaria in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.

Career

Minister of Health

As Ethiopia's Minister of Health, Tedros implemented comprehensive reforms that significantly improved access to health services and outcomes. His tenure saw a dramatic expansion in the country's health infrastructure, with thousands of new health posts and centers being built and a substantial increase in the health workforce. These efforts contributed to notable reductions in child mortality rates, HIV infections, and malaria and tuberculosis deaths. Tedros also introduced the Health Extension Program, which played a crucial role in improving rural health care delivery.

Minister of Foreign Affairs

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tedros focused on elevating Ethiopia's standing on the international stage, emphasizing economic diplomacy and regional security. He played a key role in negotiations related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and efforts to stabilize the Horn of Africa region.

Director-General of the World Health Organization

Tedros's election as the Director-General of the WHO in May 2017 marked him as the first African to hold this position. His tenure has been marked by a focus on universal health coverage, health emergencies, and the health impacts of climate change. Under his leadership, the WHO has responded to numerous global health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the resurgence of polio in certain regions.

Controversies

Tedros's tenure has not been without controversy. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the timing of declaring it a pandemic and the relationship with China, has been criticized. Additionally, his nomination of Robert Mugabe as a WHO goodwill ambassador in 2017, which was later rescinded, drew international condemnation.

Personal Life

Tedros is married and has five children. He is known for his advocacy on global health issues and has published extensively on health policy, malaria, and other infectious diseases.

Legacy and Impact

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus's work has had a significant impact on global health, particularly in terms of improving health systems in developing countries and addressing global health emergencies. His leadership at the WHO has been pivotal during some of the most challenging health crises of the 21st century.