IPPF has welcomed the election of Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as the next Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO). 

IPPF Director General Tewodros Melesse said: “I wish Dr Tedros every success as he takes on the task of leading the United Nations’ health agency. 

It is a critical role, and IPPF will do all that it can to help the WHO’s new Director in his stated priority of putting the wellbeing of women, children and adolescents at the centre of global health and development.” 

Mr Melesse praised Dr Tedros for his work in furthering sexual and reproductive health care as Ethiopia’s Heath Minister, and for his record in recruiting tens of thousands of female health workers. 

He added: “The wellbeing of women and young people cannot be achieved without access to good quality and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care. I’m sure Dr Tedros will do all he can to promote and prioritise the vitally needed improvements in SRH services.” 

Mr Melesse also praised Dr Tedros, the first African to lead WHO, for recognising the agency’s need to respond rapidly and effectively to emergencies. 

Mr Melesse said: “The reproductive needs of women and girls in humanitarian crisis have been overlooked and underfunded in the past. IPPF is committed to ensuring that emergency care is provided rapidly, through its IPPF Humanitarian division. 

It is essential that when emergencies and crises occur, the response is fast and comprehensive, and I am very encouraged by the priority this will be given by Dr Tedros.”

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