Today, the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF) welcomed Dr. Muhammad Pate as the GFF’s new director to lead and develop the strategic direction of the GFF as it expands to a total of 50 countries by 2023.

Until recently, Dr. Pate was the Chief Executive Officer of Big Win Philanthropy in the United Kingdom, and before that, held several senior positions, including as the Minister of State for Health in Nigeria. He also previously worked at the World Bank, including in Africa and East Asia and the Pacific.

Dr. Pate was also appointed to serve as the World Bank’s Global Director for Health, Nutrition and Population. In his new positions, Dr. Pate will lead, develop and communicate the vision and strategic direction for the health, nutrition and population global practice and the GFF. He is responsible for ensuring that global priorities are effectively integrated into country programs and overseeing the delivery of high-quality global engagements.

Dr. Pate’s appointment follows the departure of Dr. Mariam Claeson, who served for more than two years as the Director of the GFF.