Before he became one of the most recognisable faces in global public health, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was working much closer to the ground studying malaria and helping deliver health services in Ethiopia.

Today, he is the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), the first person from the WHO African Region to lead the organisation. His journey from a field-level malariologist to the head of the world's leading public health agency has taken him through medicine, government, diplomacy and international health policy.

Born in Asmara in 1965, Dr Tedros studied biology before pursuing postgraduate education in infectious diseases and community health. He later earned an MSc in Immunology of Infectious Diseases from the University of London and a PhD in Community Health from the University of Nottingham.

His career in public health gained national prominence when he became Ethiopia's Minister of Health in 2005. During his time in the role, Ethiopia expanded its health infrastructure and workforce, including the country's health extension programme, which brought primary healthcare services closer to communities.

He later became Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, combining his public-health background with international diplomacy. He was also involved in major global health initiatives, including serving as chair of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

In 2017, Dr Tedros made history when WHO Member States elected him Director-General. He became the first African to lead the organisation, taking office on 1 July that year.

His leadership has included some of the world's most difficult health emergencies, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, WHO has also responded to Ebola outbreaks and continued efforts towards universal health coverage and stronger global preparedness for future health emergencies.

In 2022, WHO Member States re-elected him for a second five-year term, extending his leadership until 2027.

Beyond the title, Dr Tedros' journey represents the growing influence of African expertise in global institutions. He moved from studying infectious diseases and working in public health in Ethiopia to occupying one of the most influential positions in international health.

His story is a reminder that impact can begin at community level and eventually reach the global stage.

From a young biology graduate to a malariologist, from Ethiopia's Minister of Health to its Foreign Minister, and ultimately to the leadership of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has built a career at the intersection of science, leadership and global health.

This week, TalkAfricaNG celebrates Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as our African Giant , an Ethiopian public-health expert whose journey has carried African experience from local healthcare to the centre of global health leadership.

© 2026 Aliu Azeema |

TalkAfricang.com