Tuks awards WHO chief honorary degree
“It is a privilege for the University of Pretoria to honour such an outstanding health leader for his many and significant contributions, which span three decades.”
The University of Pretoria (UP) has conferred an honorary doctorate to a global health leader.
World Health Organisation (WHO) chief director Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was honoured with the certificate during the university’s 2023 autumn graduation season.
Ghebreyesus has held the executive WHO position for a five-year stint and the certificate was bestowed to him last week for his contribution as a global health expert, scholar, advocate and diplomat.
The WHO executive is regarded as a health specialist with first-hand experience in research in the field of malaria and has published numerous articles on various health topics.
The WHO leader was recognised with other UP graduates of the School of Medicine with Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) degrees as well as postgraduate degrees.
Was happy to celebrate @WHO’s 75th anniversary with my @WHOSouthAfrica family and staff of the @UPTuks.
Achieving #HealthForAll requires partnership and this moment to mark #WHO75 was a perfect example of how we can go further if we work together.#ProudToBeWHO pic.twitter.com/gaSZJIdowQ
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) April 22, 2023
“In 1997, Nelson Mandela was awarded an honorary law doctorate here at Tuks for his commitment to equality, justice and reconciliation. Today, with great pride and humility, I received an honorary doctorate at the same place and I am grateful to join the University of Pretoria family,” said Ghebreyesus.
My acceptance remarks for an honorary doctorate from the @UPTuks https://t.co/gi97m2gElT
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) April 21, 2023
Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences professor Tiaan de Jager said: “It is a privilege for the University of Pretoria to honour such an outstanding health leader for his many and significant contributions, which span three decades.”
De Jager said Dr Ghebreyesus’ notable achievements in global health leadership were in the areas of malaria, HIV/AIDS as well as maternal and child health.
He said his contribution had been immensely impactful.
“His enormous contributions globally in the fields of public health and epidemiology as a scientist, global health expert, diplomat and advocate together with his innovative, bold dynamism to reshape global public health have been unmatched.”
Ghebreyesus is the first WHO director-general from the WHO African region.
Ghebreyesus was born in Eritrea. He graduated from the University of Asmara with a bachelor of biology, before earning a master of science (MSc) in the immunology of infectious diseases, a doctorate of philosophy (PhD) in community health and an honorary fellowship from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
He worked in the health sector as a field-level malariologist, before heading the regional health service.
He was Ethiopia’s minister of health in 2005 and 2012 and minister of foreign affairs from 2012 to 2016.
UP vice-chancellor and principal prof Tawana Kupe said: “Dr Ghebreyesus’ values and ideals align closely with UP’s 2025 vision, as the Faculty of Health Sciences strives to become a public health leader that consistently produces a new generation of healthcare professionals who aim to accelerate progress in achieving the 2030 sustainable development goals.”
“He is a model of global health leadership, and we are extremely delighted to present him with a much-deserved honorary doctorate from our university.”
The university is expected to award 11 908 qualifications in its current graduation season which runs until May 16:
– 201 doctorates
– 1 384 master’s degrees
– 2 021 honours degrees and
– 10 honorary doctorates
Among the 10 honorees are several prominent African leaders who have received international acclaim.
ALSO READ: Gluten-free mushroom tostadas
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
