The global health community has lost a key leader—Dr. David Nabarro, the British physician who spearheaded the UN’s fight against major outbreaks like Ebola, bird flu, and COVID-19, has passed away. His work shaped how the world responded to some of its deadliest health emergencies.

The head of the WHO honored David Nabarro, a physician and global health leader, as a tireless advocate for health equity and pandemic response—most notably during COVID-19. His legacy is one of dedication to public health on a worldwide scale.