Dr Wendy Harrison and Professor Margaret Gyapong take up RSTMH joint Presidency
Dr Wendy Harrison and Professor Margaret Gyapong have taken up their roles as the RSTMH joint Presidents, which is the first time in RSTMH history that we have had two Presidents, and only the second time we have had a President based in Africa.
They formally now take over the Presidency from Professor Jimmy Whitworth who becomes Past President.
The changes to the RSTMH presidency officially took place at the RSTMH Annual General Meeting, formed as part of the 2024 Annual Meeting which took place in London on 10 October.
During their Presidential Address, they spoke about the need for authentic partnerships.
They said: “For the first time in its history, the society this year decided to appoint two leaders in global health as joint Presidents representing the global north and the global south from 2 different disciplines. They have recognised that the complexity of the challenges we face require collective action and partnership at all levels and we hope that through our Co-presidency we can champion the cause of authentic partnerships, really appreciating that we all play a part in the jigsaw of global health.”
On the appointment, Dr Wendy Harrison said: "I am deeply honoured to be appointed as Joint President at RSTMH alongside Margaret Gyapong. Only through collective action across disciplines, sectors, and regions can we address the complexities of global health and create sustainable solutions for all. We hope that through our Co-presidency we can champion the cause of authentic partnerships that are necessary for a healthier, more equitable world.”
Professor Margaret Gyapong said: "I am excited that for the first time in the history of the RSTMH, an African has been appointed as Joint President of the Society and I am honored to share this position with Dr Wendy Harrison a colleague I admire and respect. The global health challenges we face today are too great for us to work in isolation. With our diverse backgrounds and experience, we will work with the society to Improve the skills, experience, and networks of our members and Fellows to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and strive for excellence, inclusivity and Impact to create a brighter future for global health”
On their appointment, Tamar Ghosh, RSTMH Chief Executive, said: “We are excited to welcome Wendy and Margaret to their role of RSTMH joint Presidents. Partnership has always been crucial to the work of RSTMH and this is a new step in that direction. As a society based in the UK with members and Fellows, and our work, across the world it is fitting to have our leadership representing different regions and disciplines and all that brings.
“At this time we also wanted to express our sincere thanks to Jimmy for all he has done in this busy year of being President and we look forward to working with him as Past President.”
As his term of office as President finishes and his term as Past President begins, Professor Jimmy Whitworth said: "As my term as RSTMH President ends, I am encouraged by the impact that RSTMH continues to make within global health. I am certain that Dr Wendy Harrison and Professor Margaret Gyapong will continue to foster RSTMH’s ambition of saving lives and improve health around the world.”
President Elect announced
Also at the Annual General Meeting, Dr George M. Varghese was announced as RSTMH President Elect.
He said: "I am honoured to be part of the leadership team at RSTMH as we embrace a future where innovation, collaboration, and mentorship are at the forefront of our mission to enhance global health. Together, we will work to create a healthier and more equitable world.”
Governance changes
Announced at the Annual General Meeting were two new elected trustees: Professor Chris Parry and Professor Kathryn Maitland.
Professor Chris Parry said on his appointment: “I am very excited to be rejoining the Board as an elected trustee and to be able to support future activities of RSTMH”.
Professor Kathryn Maitland said on her appointment: “I’m delighted to be actively reengaging with RSTMH again. It’s an honour to be elected by the members and Fellows to an important role”.
Also announced is our new co-opted Trustee, Dr Adam Roberts. He said on his appointment: “I am very much looking forward to working with RSTMH in my new role as a co-opted trustee, and helping the society deliver on its aims, especially with the early career researcher support it provides as I have seen myself that this can be transformational to individuals at the start of their careers.”
Stepping down at the AGM were a number of Board members.
Our Past President, Simon Bush, steps down after ten years on the Board and we are extremely grateful for all he has done to support RSTMH, the Board, the team and our work during his long tenure. We also say goodbye to two of our Trustees who complete their terms: Professor Pramod Samantaray and Professor Said Jongo and also to Professor Bridget Wills, who has stepped down as of the AGM.
We thank them for all they have done to support RSTMH.