16 October 2008

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, expresses its sorrow at the death of Dr. Allan Rosenfield, Dean Emeritus of Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons.

“We are deeply saddened to lose a longtime friend and colleague,” said Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA. “Allan’s leadership and inspired work to improve reproductive health profoundly benefited the lives of women and their families around the world.”

In recognition of his leadership and achievements, the United Nations awarded Dr. Rosenfield the United Nations Population Award in 2007 for his contributions to the field of population and reproductive health.

Dr. Rosenfield pioneered research on maternal death rates in developing countries, women’s reproductive rights and the spread of HIV/AIDS in mothers and children. He brought his research and treatment to sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia and founded the Averting Maternal Death and Disability Programme of Columbia University.

As a result of Dr. Rosenfield’s leadership, the Mailman School of Public Health supported initiatives to reduce maternal death and UNFPA is proud to be associated with these efforts.

“Allan significantly improved the lives of families and communities the world over,” said Ms. Obaid. “His sheer determination and dauntless spirit will continue to inspire all of us as we work to improve women’s health and rights, and avert maternal death and disability.”