St George’s Professor named Chair of international health board

St George’s Professor named Chair of international health board

26 November 2009

Professor Hamid Ghodse will be the inaugural Chair of the International Health Advisory Board. Led by the government, this new Board will support the Chief Medical Officer in his capacity as Chief Medical Advisor to the UK Government on areas of international health.

The Board’s work will include acting as a source of independent, expert advice, establishing a network of expertise and raising the profile of the work on international health undertaken with the Department of Health.

The Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, said: “I am delighted that Professor Ghodse has agreed to take on this new and important leadership role in relation to international health. He has great experience in this area and will be an invaluable asset as we look to address the increasingly complex challenges thrown up by global health. I look forward to working with him on this agenda”.

Professor Ghodse is the Director of the International Centre of Drug Policy at St George’s, University of London. He widely recognised as a world leader in international drug policy and addictions and, over the years, he has advised governments on medical education and health policy issues. Until recently, he was the Medical Director of the National Clinical Excellence Awards Scheme for NHS Doctors and President of the International Narcotics Control Board.

Speaking about his appointment, Professor Ghodse said: “Many of today’s health issues need to be considered in an international context and it is essential that the UK plays a full role in the relevant international forums, both learning from the experience of others and making an effective contribution based on 60-years’ experience of a National Health Service and acknowledged expertise in research and policy analysis.  I feel honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead the new International Health Advisory Board.”