Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Received 2024 Rebranding Africa Forum Governance Leadership Award

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was awarded the Rebranding Africa Forum Governance Leadership Award 2024.

The Rebranding Africa Awards celebrate exceptional individuals who, through their daily actions in diverse fields, pave the way for development and inspire others to reshape their perceptions of our continent. As a result, these awards symbolize a more dynamic, proactive, and open Africa to the world.

These honors are presented by the pan-African magazine Notre Afrik, published by the Samori Media Connection Press Group, during the Rebranding Africa Awards ceremonies.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was elected as the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) during the Seventieth World Health Assembly in May 2017. He was the first individual chosen from a pool of multiple candidates and also the first person from the African Region to lead this prestigious global health agency.

Born in Asmara, Eritrea, Dr. Tedros graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Asmara. He furthered his education with a Master of Science in Immunology of Infectious Diseases from the University of London and earned his PhD in Community Health from the University of Nottingham. His academic achievements are complemented by an Honorary Fellowship from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

After completing his studies, Dr. Tedros returned to Ethiopia, where he began his career as a malariologist in the field. He quickly advanced to head a regional health service and served in Ethiopia’s federal government for over a decade as both Minister of Health and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

As Minister of Health from 2005 to 2012, Dr. Tedros spearheaded a comprehensive reform of Ethiopia’s health system, focusing on universal health coverage and ensuring access to services in even the most remote areas. Under his leadership, Ethiopia significantly expanded its health infrastructure and workforce, creating innovative financing mechanisms. One of his hallmark initiatives was the establishment of a primary health care extension program that deployed 40,000 female health workers nationwide, resulting in a remarkable 60% reduction in child and maternal mortality compared to 2000 levels.

In his role as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2012 to 2016, Dr. Tedros elevated health issues on national and international stages. He played a pivotal role in negotiating the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, which saw 193 countries commit to financing necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Before assuming the role of WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros held several prominent positions in global health, including Chair of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Chair of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership, and Co-chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Board.

Upon taking office as Director-General on July 1, 2017, Dr. Tedros initiated the most significant transformation in the WHO’s history, leading to a series of notable achievements in public health worldwide. His leadership has been instrumental in navigating global health challenges, including the response to pandemics and strengthening health systems across nations.

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