headline: COVID-19 special envoy David Nabarro dies at 75

headline: COVID-19 special envoy David Nabarro dies at 75

David Nabarro, the World Health Organization's (WHO) special envoy for COVID-19 since the early stages of the outbreak in 2020, has passed away at the age of 75, as announced by the WHO on Saturday, July 26, 2025 [1].

Nabarro, a British public health expert, was known for his significant contributions to global health and his advocacy for health equity. He was also co-director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College in London. Throughout his career, Nabarro was a prominent figure in global health, having served as a candidate for WHO director general in 2017, where he finished second to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus [1].

At the height of the pandemic in 2021, Nabarro called for increased global cooperation and aid to poorer countries, emphasizing the severity of the health crisis, which he described as "nothing like anything else we've ever seen in my professional life" [1]. His commitment to global health and his leadership during the pandemic have left a lasting impact on the international health community.

The WHO chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, paid tribute to Nabarro, stating, "David was a great champion of global health and health equity, and a wise, generous mentor to countless individuals" [1]. His legacy will continue to influence global health policies and initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes worldwide.

References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/covid-19-special-envoy-david-nabarro-dies-75-2025-07-26/
[2] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/19-special-envoy-david-nabarro-dies-at-75-ce7c5fdbd18ef32d