GENEVA (AP) — Dr. David Nabarro, a renowned British physician known for his leadership role in the United Nations' response to significant health crises, has passed away at the age of 75. Over the years, Nabarro played a pivotal role in the international efforts during the 2006 bird flu outbreak, the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, and the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), confirmed Nabarro's death via a post on the social media platform X. In his tribute, Tedros described Nabarro as a “great champion of global health and health equity” and praised him as a “wise, generous mentor” to many individuals worldwide. Tedros emphasized the profound impact of Nabarro’s work on countless lives across the globe.
In recognition of his vast contributions to global health, King Charles III knighted Nabarro in 2023. This honor came after Nabarro served as one of six special envoys to the WHO, specifically addressing COVID-19. Additionally, he was awarded the 2018 World Food Prize, acknowledging his significant efforts linking health and hunger issues.
Dr. Nabarro's aspirations also included vying for the position of WHO director-general in 2017, though he ultimately lost to Tedros in the final round of voting. Following this, he left the United Nations later that year. A significant moment in Nabarro’s career occurred in 2003 when he survived a bombing at the U.N. headquarters in Baghdad. The attack claimed the lives of 22 individuals, including the then High Commissioner for Human Rights, and left numerous others injured. Nabarro, who was participating in a meeting at the time, recounted the traumatic experience, describing a “cloud” of chaos as he and colleagues assisted the injured amid a backdrop of distressing sounds from those in pain.
The 4SD Foundation, a social enterprise in Switzerland where Dr. Nabarro served as strategic director, announced his passing, describing it as a “sudden” event. The organization expressed that Nabarro’s commitment to improving the lives of others would be dearly missed. Friends and colleagues, including Thuy Maryen, who was the foundation’s former communications director and long-time friend of Nabarro, confirmed he passed away at his home in Ferney-Voltaire, France, a suburb of Geneva.
The foundation aims to mentor future leaders in global sustainable development, reflecting values that Dr. Nabarro embodied throughout his career. He is survived by his wife, Flo, and his legacy continues through his five children and seven grandchildren.
