The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is saddened by the death of a distinguished scholar, researcher and former Director General of the agency, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, who passed away early this morning in New York.

 

Prof. Osotimehin, an illustrious academic was the first Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) until 2009 and a former Minister for Health, Nigeria until March 2010.   In November 2010, he was appointed as the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and became the organization’s fourth Executive Director. He also served as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and a former Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan from 1990 – 1994.

 

During his period as DG NACA, he successfully transformed the organization from a committee to a Federal Government agency, he will be fondly remembered for his outstanding contributions to the HIV/AIDS response in Nigeria.

 

As we mourn this huge loss to Nigeria, the management and staff of NACA and the entire HIV/AIDS advocates join the family in mourning a departed icon in the country.

 

May the Almighty rest his soul in Eternal peace.

 

Signed: Dr. Sani Aliyu

 

Director General, NACA

Contact for Media Enquiries: Toyin Aderibigbe

Head, Corporate Communications Unit, National Agency for the Control of AIDS

tel. +234 805 553 1587

email: [email protected]