Pedro Alonso appointed director of WHO malaria program

The World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen Dr. Pedro Alonso as new director of their Global Malaria Program, a role which he will take up in Geneva in October. Pedro Alonso is currently Director of the Barcelona Institute for Global Health  (ISGlobal), Head of the International Health and Tropical Medicine Unit of Hospital Clínic and Professor at the University of Barcelona.

In his new role, Alonso aims to help eradicate malaria. "It is an honor to have been appointed by Dr. Margaret Chan to head the WHO Global Malaria Program. With the support of numerous institutions and the leadership of the endemic countries, I am convinced that we can make strong progress towards the eradication of malaria. To participate in this company is a unique opportunity for which I am truly grateful", said Alonso.

Pere Alonso’s leadership and experience in the field of malaria, particularly with regard to elimination of the disease, was a key factor in the WHO’s decision. Alonso played a pivotal role in the development of a vaccine that reduces severe cases of malaria in young children by half and which has proven to be effective 18 months after application.  Alonso has secured support and funding both in Spain and abroad; in 2010 Obra Social "la Caixa" (social fund) promoted the creation of ISGlobal and, on an international level, Alonso has received financial support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, among others.

In 2011 Alonso joined the WHO Malaria Policy Advisory Committee and that same year was elected to chair the Scientific Committee of the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria which is currently being developed. His appointment as director of the Global Malaria Program is a logical step in his fight against the disease.