The Consortium of Universities for Global Health has appointed Prof Marleen Temmerman, Chair, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department and Director of the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health at Aga Khan University’s Medical College, East Africa as a board member for a period of three years.
The Consortium of Universities for Global Health is a US-based organisation of over 179 academic institutions and other organisations from around the world engaged in addressing global health challenges.
Acknowledging her appointment, Prof Marleen said; “I am humbled and honoured to have been elected with my peers to serve in the Consortium of Universities for Global Health. I appreciate that the board has granted me the honour out of many candidates who were eligible for the position. I look forward to working with other members of the Board towards the advancement of global health.”
More than 80 applications were submitted to join the Board, out of which a shortlist of top candidates was developed. This shortlist was then sent to representatives from 179 academic institutions who voted for their top choices. Prof Marleen was one of the five selected candidates.
Prof Lukoye Atwoli, Dean, AKU Medical College, East Africa said; “We are very proud of Prof Marleen’s appointment to the Board of Directors for Global Health because she’s passionate and has been at the forefront of advocating for women and child health and rights programmes across the East African region.”
Prof Marleen is a well-recognized global leader in women, child & adolescent health. She brings academic, technical, political, governance and leadership skills to the table as well as diplomacy, advocacy, fundraising, training and clinical expertise.
Recently, Prof President Uhuru Kenyatta awarded Prof Marleen the “Moran of the order of the Burning Spear,” MBS, for over 35 years investing in health and education in Kenya.
Last week, she was also awarded the “Professional Contribution and Networks Award” during the 45th Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society Annual Scientific Congress in recognition of her work in advocating for sexual and reproductive health and well-being of women in Kenya.
She has a strong track record of working with governments, multilateral organisations, academia, professional bodies, development agencies, private sector, consultancy agencies, civil society, non-governmental and faith based organisations, in a global and changing world. Prof Marleen has also served as a Member of Parliament in Belgium.
She is also the AKU-UNESCO Chair of Youth Leadership in Science, Health, Gender and Education and Chair of the Pumwani Maternity Hospital Board.
