We are saddened to learn of the recent passing of Dr. Mahmoud Fathalla, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Assuit University in Egypt. As a longtime friend of the William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, Dr. Fathalla visited the Institute in 2004 to commemorate the establishment of the Institute’s academic partner program with Assuit University. Today, Assuit University is a Gates Institute Center of Reproductive Health Excellence and a valuable academic partner.
The center honors Dr. Fathalla’s contribution to the university with the establishment of the Fathalla Scholarship. The scholarships enabled doctors in the Ministry of Health and Population to earn a Master’s in Public Health within the department. Several scholarships were awarded and included support for fees and books throughout their study.
Dr. Fathalla is widely recognized for his contributions to women’s health and empowerment, earning the United Nations Population Award in 2009. His many lectures and teachings solidified the importance of bold advocacy for women’s health through a life course approach. Dr. Fathalla will be remembered as a renowned advocate, researcher, and advisor in the reproductive health community. He served as FIGO President from 1994 to 1997 and Director of the World Health Organization’s Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, among many other prominent positions in family planning, reproductive health, and safe motherhood.
Dr. Fathalla will be deeply missed by those who knew him, and the legacy of his teachings will undoubtedly empower the next generation of reproductive health advocates.
