Honoring Tadashi Yamamoto

16 April 2012

GENEVA – The Global Fund is deeply saddened by the death of Mr. Tadashi Yamamoto, a great Japanese diplomat, champion of global health and long-term Director of Friends of the Global Fund in Japan. It extends its heartfelt sympathies and condolences to his family, friends and colleagues in Japan and around the world.

Mr. Yamamoto had a very distinguished career as President of the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE) promoting diplomatic relations and cooperation between Japan and many countries around the world. Shortly after the creation of the Global Fund Mr. Yamamoto established Friends of the Global Fund Japan in 2004 which has been hosted by JCIE in Tokyo.

In this capacity Mr. Yamamoto contributed greatly to the work of the Global Fund and promoted Japan’s leadership in fighting the most devastating infectious diseases. He tirelessly raised awareness in Japan of the role of the Global Fund in supporting millions of people around the world.

Last year Mr. Yamamoto’s lifetime achievements were recognized when the Emperor conferred on him the highest award for a citizen of Japan: the Order of the Rising Sun Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.

“The Global Fund and the global health community have lost a great friend and supporter,” said the Global Fund’s General Manager, Gabriel Jaramillo. “Tadashi Yamamoto will be remembered by all the staff and board members from around the world as one of the pioneers who contributed greatly to the life-saving work of the Global Fund.”

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