Photo: Russell Watkins/DFIDThe Commonwealth Medical Trust (Commat) is greatly saddened at the sudden passing of Dr Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). He was 68 years old and was married with five children and several grandchildren.
As UNFPA Executive Director Dr Babatunde championed three major transformative goals of zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet demand for family planning and the elimination of harmful practices against women and girls.
As stated by the UN Secretary-General:
“Dr Babatunde was admired globally for his leadership of the UN Population Fund and his forceful advocacy for the world’s women and girls in particular.
“Sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights are among the most important, and often sensitive, on the international agenda; Dr Babatunde’s calm yet ardent efforts helped families get the sexual and reproductive health services they need, and helped the world advance the landmark 1994 Cairo Programme of Action on Population and Development. His voice was invaluable over the years, including his time as Nigeria’s Minister of Health, in pressing for family planning, women’s education, children’s health and action on HIV/AIDS as vital ingredients in human progress…”
We offer sincere condolences to his family and the staff of UNFPA.