Remembering Babatunde Osotimehin
06 June 2017
The Global Fund expressed its profound sadness at the news that Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, passed away. He was 68 years old.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to his family, and to his colleagues at UNFPA and elsewhere, as we honor his spirit of serving those most in need,” said Marijke Wijnroks, Interim Executive Director of the Global Fund.
Dr. Osotimehin, a physician and public health expert, was UNFPA’s Executive Director since 2011. He previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Health, and as Director-General of the Nigeria’s National Agency for the Control of AIDS. He was married, had five children and several grandchildren.
Dr. Osotimehin worked closely with many partners in global health, including at the Global Fund. UNFPA said it is dedicated to continuing Dr. Osotimehin’s vision for women and young people and will continue to stand up for the human rights and dignity of everyone, particularly the most vulnerable adolescent girls.