Shared by Niloufar Pourzand
From a tribute by Scaling Up Nutrition
It is with deep sorrow that we mark the passing of Dr David Nabarro, a global health leader, humanitarian, and tireless advocate for food security, nutrition, and human dignity. David leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of public service and impact that spans continents.
A physician by training, David’s life was defined by his unwavering commitment to the most vulnerable. Whether serving as the first Coordinator of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, Special Envoy on Ebola, leading the UN's response to cholera in Haiti, or championing food security and pandemic preparedness, he brought courage, clarity, and compassion to the world’s most complex crises.
For David, nutrition was never just about food, it was a core element of societal change and development.
His early career included time in Iraq, Nepal, and Kenya, later becoming a teacher at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and later the University of Liverpool Medical School. Across every role—within the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), WHO, the UN, and beyond—David elevated science, empowered communities, and challenged institutions to do better.
David brought people together—not just across disciplines and borders, but across ideologies—believing deeply that progress could only be made by listening, learning, and leading with empathy.
David Nabarro was more than a public servant. He was a mentor, a friend, a force for good in the world. His legacy will live on in the millions of lives he touched and in the global movements for equity, health and sustainability that he helped build.
He will be profoundly missed in the SUN community and well beyond, and forever remembered.
Our deepest sympathies to his family and colleagues.
See also: The Washington Post and Wikipedia
Alan Court
ReplyDeleteSuch sad news. David was a man of integrity and never wavered from his focus on serving those most in need. A mentor and guide to many he will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace my friend.
We all learned so much from David.
ReplyDeleteMet David in Abidjan, with Christina and Joe Kessler, ages ago,… R.I.P. dear David
ReplyDeleteVery sad passing of a great humanitarian, ally, friend and soldier for peace and progress. RIP dear David
ReplyDeleteOh No. Sad to see you go dear friend. The world needs more like you especially now.
ReplyDeleteI am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr David Nabarro — a visionary leader in global health and nutrition, and the first Coordinator of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement. David brought courage, compassion, and clarity to the most complex challenges of our time. His belief in systems thinking, community empowerment, and shared responsibility continues to shape how we work today. His legacy lives on in all of us striving for a healthier, more just world.
ReplyDeleteRead the SUN Movement tribute here: https://lnkd.in/dknfAbvy
I am sorry to hear those news. He was a visionary and true leader. R.I.P
ReplyDeleteRespected him greatly. May his soul rest in peace. Bilge Bassani
ReplyDeleteVery sorry to hear of the passing of Dr David Nabarro. He was a work colleague in Nepal when he worked for Save the Children in 1980’s and a family friend ever since. We crossed paths several places over the years, most recently in Edinburgh where I painted his portrait. Our sympathies and condolences to his family and friends. From George and Sara McBean - see portrait at https://xunicefnewsandviews.blogspot.com/2025/07/dr-david-nabarro-portrait-by-george.html
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear that David has passed away. He was a unique and special person who in so many ways devoted his life to save and improve the lives of people worldwide. He will be sorely missed. My condolences and warm thoughts to his family and his many many friends.
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