At the inaugural Global Council meeting on October 19, 2023, IVI’s state party representatives unanimously voted to nominate two members to the Board of Trustees (BOT), the highest governing body of IVI. These two seats are reserved for country delegates from among IVI’s State Parties who do not currently provide core funding, a decision taken last year by the Board to further incorporate the perspectives of IVI’s members in the governance of the organization.
The IVI BOT confirmed these two nominees and welcomes Dr. Ehsanul Kabir, representing Bangladesh, and congratulates Prof. Leon Mutesa, representing Rwanda, who has previously served as Rwanda’s delegate on the Board, having been first elected in 2022. Dr. Kabir and Prof. Mutesa begin their 3-year service with the annual face-to-face BOT meeting at IVI Headquarters in Seoul, held this year November 8-9, 2023.
Prof. Ehsanul Kabir is the Managing Director and CEO of Essential Drugs Company Limited, the only state-owned pharmaceutical company in Bangladesh. He has also served as the Vice President of the South Asian Regional Dermatological Society and is currently an executive member of the Bangladesh Medical Association, holding the post of Treasurer for seven years. Dr. Kabir was a Professor of Dermatology at the Bangladesh Medical College for 14 years prior to his current role and brings extensive experience in the prevention and control of STDs and HIV/AIDS through his work with different non-governmental organizations in Bangladesh.
“We are fortunate to continue benefiting from the leadership of Prof. Leon Mutesa and wholeheartedly welcome Dr. Ehsanul Kabir to the BOT. Together, they bring deep expertise across medicine, the pharmaceutical industry, academia, and government to the Board, and their representation of the governments of Rwanda and Bangladesh, respectively, two close partners of IVI, is a valuable addition to our international and multisectoral team,” said George Bickerstaff, Chair of IVI’s BOT.
“With the establishment of the Global Council this year and two new seats on the Board for non-funding State Parties, IVI is adopting a more inclusive and responsive governance structure, attuned to the needs and perspectives of the countries where IVI conducts vaccine research and development,” said Dr. Jerome Kim, Director General of IVI. “We look forward to increasing participation and input from IVI’s State Parties, and welcome Dr. Kabir to the Board.”