Sir David Nabarro, the World Health Organisation's special envoy for Covid-19, has died at the age of 75. The prominent global health expert played a crucial role in the international response to the pandemic and was a familiar face on British television throughout the crisis.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO's director-general, said he was "deeply shocked and saddened by the passing" of Sir David. The London-born health expert had dedicated decades of his career to tackling some of the world's most pressing health challenges.
UN career spanning health crises
Sir David worked at the United Nations for 17 years before leaving in 2017. During his tenure, he expanded nutrition programmes to underdeveloped countries and led responses to major health crises including outbreaks of malaria, bird flu and Ebola.
He was appointed as special envoy on Covid-19 for the WHO in 2020, becoming a regular presence on news programmes throughout the pandemic. In June 2021, he told Sky News that humanity was going to have to learn how to "co-exist" with Covid-19.
Knighthood for global health work
Sir David was knighted at Buckingham Palace in March 2023 for his outstanding contribution to global health. The honour recognised his decades of work improving health outcomes across the world.
Dr Tedros paid tribute to his colleague on X, writing: "David was a great champion of global health and health equity, and a wise, generous mentor to countless individuals. His work touched and impacted so many lives across the world."
The WHO director-general added: "On behalf of WHO, I'm extending our heartfelt condolences to David's family, friends and colleagues. Rest in peace, my dear friend. We will dearly miss your expertise, wisdom and kindness."
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
