Science and Technology Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane has congratulated Professor Laetitia Rispel on her appointment as the new President of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA).
"Professor Rispel has been a good ambassador of science for South Africa in the global arena and we are proud of her work as a researcher and professor of public health policy.
"We are delighted that she is bearing the torch for the leadership of women to be recognised. She is an inspiration to many young and aspiring public health professionals, and women in general. We wish her well in her tenure as president," said Kubayi-Ngubane.
Since it was founded in 1967, the WFPHA brings together public health professionals interested in safeguarding and promoting public health through professional exchange, collaboration and action.
The association contributes to changes in health and environmental health policy around the globe.
The first African and the third woman to lead the international body, Rispel has over 30 years’ experience in public health, research, teaching, strategy, health policy, leadership and executive management.
She holds the Department of Science and Technology and National Research Foundation’s Chair for Research on the Health Workforce for Equity and Quality, which is hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand.
As a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa, Rispel has written extensively over the years, producing 92 publications in her field, including peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, editorials and opinions. – SAnews.gov.za
