Research conducted for a Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of Nottingham examined the precise impact of dam construction on malaria transmission rates within the Tigray region of Ethiopia. This academic foundation eventually propelled Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus into a sustained career spanning public health administration, immunology, and international diplomacy on the global stage.
Early Career and Education
Born in 1965 in Asmara, Tedros earned his Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Asmara in 1986. He subsequently joined the Ethiopian Ministry of Health as a junior public health expert. His advanced academic training includes a Master of Science in immunology of infectious diseases from the University of London, completed in 1992, followed by his doctoral degree in community health.
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Appointed Minister of Health in 2005, Tedros managed significant infrastructure challenges and personnel shortages. He implemented a workforce strategy that involved training over 30,000 health extension workers and constructing 4,000 health centres. Between 2005 and 2011, infant mortality rates in Ethiopia declined from 123 per 1,000 births to 88. Following his health ministry service, he transitioned to the role of Minister of Foreign Affairs, serving from 2012 until 2016.
Global Health Leadership
Tedros held numerous international board positions, including chairing the Roll Back Malaria Partnership and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. In 2017, he became the first African to be appointed Director-General of the World Health Organization. His leadership at the organization includes overseeing responses to the Ebola virus epidemic, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2022–2023 mpox outbreak.
Fast facts
- Born: 1965, Asmara
- Education: University of Asmara, University of London, University of Nottingham
- Minister of Health of Ethiopia: 2005–2012
- Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia: 2012–2016
- Director-General of the World Health Organization: 2017–present
- Notable Award: Commander of the National Order of the Lion, 2018
- Languages: English, Amharic, Tigrinya
Questions readers ask
What academic credentials does Tedros hold?
He holds a Bachelor of Science in biology, a Master of Science in immunology of infectious diseases, and a Doctor of Philosophy in community health.
Which positions did he hold in the Ethiopian government prior to the WHO?
He served as Minister of Health from 2005 to 2012 and as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2012 to 2016.
Achievements
- Director-General of the World Health Organization (from 2017)
- minister of Health of Ethiopia (2005–2012)
- Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia (2012–2016)
- Commander of the National Order of the Lion — 2018
- Grand Officer of the National Order of Benin — 2018
- Order of the Serbian Flag
- Educated at University of Asmara and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
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