Director-General of the World Health Organisation Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has been given an honorary doctorate by the University of Pretoria in recognition of his outstanding contributions as a global health expert, scholar, advocate and diplomat.
The WHO chief is regarded as a health scholar with first-hand experience in research, particularly in the field of malaria, and has published numerous articles in prominent scientific journals on a range of global health topics, reports The Citizen.
Born in Asmara (now part of Eritrea), he held high-ranking positions in healthcare before his election in 2017 as director-general of the WHO – an appointment that saw him become the first African to lead the global public health agency.
As Health Minister of Ethiopia (2005-2012), he invested in health infrastructure and the workforce, giving millions access to healthcare.
Dean of the faculty of health sciences, Professor Tiaan de Jager, called it “a privilege for the University of Pretoria to honour such an outstanding health leader for his many and significant contributions, which span three decades”.
Tedros holds a Bachelor of Biology, Master of Science in Immunology of Infectious Diseases, PhD in Community Health and an honorary fellowship from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
The Citizen article – Tuks honorary doctorate for WHO chief (Open access)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
New leadership team for the WHO
WHO issues its first guidelines on reducing dementia risk
Malaria eradication goals remain out of reach — WHO report