Tribute to former Zambian Executive Director

The IPPF family mourns the passing of Edford Mutuma, the former Executive Director of the Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia (PPAZ). Edford was recognised as an advocate and leader in the field of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) both at national and international level.

Edford started his engagement as a young volunteer for PPAZ and grew to become the first president of the Africa Youth and Adolescent Network on Population and Development (AfriYAN). At the same time he served as the Executive Director of Youth Vision Zambia and then joined PPAZ as Director of Programmes and Executive Director. Edford often represented IPPF in high-level meetings and for several years he represented his country at the Commission of Population and Development. After almost eight years with PPAZ, Edford had recently become the Country Director of Ipas Zambia.

Edford had been recognised as one of 25 emerging or mature global leaders in the field of HIV and AIDS prevention by UNAIDS, UNDP, WHO et al, through the St. George’s House Windsor Castle Leadership Initiative on HIV/AIDS.

The IPPF family will deeply miss Edford and his energy, commitment and dedication to support the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people in Zambia and around the world.