Prof Oladapo Ashiru (President, Academy of Medicine Specialties in Nigeria):
Oratory on Professor Mohammad Ali Pate, CON
Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, is a prominent figure in public health, currently serving as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare in Nigeria. With a distinguished career spanning various national and global positions, Dr. Pate declined the CEO position at Gavi in Switzerland in favor of contributing to his home country. His impressive resume includes roles as the Julio Frenk Professor of Public Health Leadership at Harvard University, Global Director for Health, Nutrition, and Population at the World Bank Group, and CEO of Big Win Philanthropy.
During his tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health, Dr. Pate played a vital role in initiatives related to polio eradication, vaccine implementation, and primary healthcare. His leadership at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency was marked by significant accomplishments. Throughout his career, he has received accolades such as induction into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the prestigious Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Dr. Pate’s expertise in public health has been instrumental in leading health responses, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. His contributions to global health have been widely recognized, and he has served on numerous esteemed panels and boards. His commitment to health and welfare, both in Nigeria and internationally, underscores his dedication to improving healthcare systems and outcomes.
He has served on various global panels and boards, including the Lancet COVID-19 Commission and the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Population Dynamics.
Dr. Pate’s dedication to improving public health led to the establishment of the Muhammad Ali Pate International School of Public Health by the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, in 2019. As the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, he is leading Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, aimed at improving the health of all Nigerians.
Dr. Pate is married to Hajiya Karimatu and is blessed with four daughters and two sons.