By Vivian Ihechu
Lagos – The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday appointed Ray Chambers, a philanthropist, humanitarian and health advocate, as its Ambassador for Global Strategy.
The new role is designed to support WHOs work to mobilise the international community to advance the global health agenda, including achieving global health targets set out in the Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, said: “Ray Chambers is a giant of public health who understands as well as anyone the critical need to prioritise the health and wellbeing of all people on the planet.
“Through Ray’s support as Ambassador for Global Strategy, WHO will be able to play an even stronger role in advocating among key decision makers to take all steps needed to ensure a healthier, more sustainable world for all,’’ Ghebreyesus said.
Accepting the position, Chambers said: “It is an honour to support the World Health Organisation’s mission.
“Mission to ensure everyone in the world, no matter where they come from, how much they earn or what their age and gender may be, can lead the healthiest life possible.
“This requires action and engagement from many partners, led by governments, to prioritise public health by advancing Universal Health Coverage to ensure health for all,’’ Chambers said.
Chambers previously served as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Health in Agenda 2030 and for Malaria.
Prior to 2016, he held the role of UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Financing the Health Millennium Development Goals, working with multiple funding partners to support international efforts to deliver health care and monitor the impact of such efforts.
Through his ambassadorship with WHO, Chambers will be raising awareness about the role played by WHO to promote health, serve the vulnerable and keep the world safe.
A key area of activity for Chambers will be to advocate for the mobilising of resources to meet global health targets, working closely with governments, donors and the private sector.
Chambers will also be an advocate for WHOs efforts to protect 1 billion more people within the next five years from health emergencies.
This is one of the pillars of the organisation’s 2009-2013 strategic plan, the 13th General Programme of Work (GPW13).
The position of WHO Ambassador is for an initial period of two years and is on a purely honorary basis.
It does not carry any right to remuneration or compensation for expenses.
(NAN)