“The global health space continues to be male dominated, from leadership roles in institutions, to boards and the delegation’s representing governments at decision making forums. Denials of gender equity are grounded in “deep-rooted patriarchy,” misogyny, and sexism exposing the “gender bias of global health”. The need for a transformational shift on gender equity in global health is urgent.”
Dr. Flavia Bustreo is a leading physician, public health professional and advocate for the health and human rights of women, children, adolescents and the elderly, and is known for taking action on the social and environmental determinants of health. She is currently Vice-Chair of Fondation Botnar, Chair of the Governance and Ethics Committee, at the Partnership of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) and Co-Chair of The Lancet Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Maltreatment of Young People.
Dr. Bustreo is a member of several boards, including chairing the United Nations University's International Institute for Global Health and advises several governmental and non-governmental entities, such as the Global Future Council on Health and Healthcare of the World Economic Forum.
Dr. Bustreo was Assistant Director-General for Family, Women’s and Children’s Health at the World Health Organization (WHO) from 2010 to 2017 and also served as Vice-Chair of the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, from 2015 to 2017. At WHO she led the organization's work in reproductive, maternal, child and adolescent health, climate change, aging, vaccinations, health and human rights, health and gender equity. Previously, she was the Executive Director of PMNCH, and served in a variety of roles at WHO, UNICEF and the World Bank, and as
Interim Deputy Director of the Child Survival Partnership and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Norway helping shape the government’s US$ 1 billion contribution to maternal and child health.