Bruce Aylward, a distinguished Canadian physician and epidemiologist, holds a prominent position as an Assistant Director-General at the World Health Organization (WHO). His expertise in infectious diseases and extensive experience in managing large-scale outbreaks have shaped his impactful career.

Wiki/Biography

Born in 1962 in St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada, Bruce Aylward spent his formative years in Atlantic Canada. His academic journey began at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), where he pursued medicine. A pivotal moment came in 1984 when, as a medical student, he embarked on a six-month hospital placement in Uganda, solidifying his commitment to global health. He earned his MD from MUN in 1985, followed by internal medicine studies at the University of British Columbia and a diploma in tropical medicine from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. His educational pursuits culminated in a master’s degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University.

Physical Appearance

• Height (approx.): 5’ 10”
• Hair Color: Extra Light Ash Blond
• Eye Color: Moss Green

Family & Ethnicity

Raised in a family of six children by a Haligonian mother and a lawyer father, Aylward’s personal life is equally fascinating. He is married to Elisa Rapiti, an Italian cancer researcher whom he met at Johns Hopkins. Their union took place in Geneva, where they reside with their son, Nico, born in 2000.

Career

Aylward joined the WHO in 1992, spearheading numerous programs focusing on communicable disease control, immunization, and polio eradication across diverse regions including the Western Pacific, Middle East, Europe, Central and Southeast Asia, and North Africa. His contributions to the global polio eradication initiative were particularly significant. He played a crucial role in expanding the program’s reach and effectiveness, leading to substantial progress in combating the disease. His leadership transformed the WHO’s response to major infectious disease emergencies, implementing system-wide activation procedures.

His work with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) further highlights his commitment to global health. During the Ebola crisis, he provided critical leadership to the UN Emergency Ebola Response (UNMEER).

Aylward’s role in the WHO’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was pivotal, where he led the team in China and advocated for crucial containment strategies.

Taiwan Skype Interview Controversy

In March 2020, an interview with RTHK journalist Yvonne Tong sparked controversy. Aylward’s handling of questions regarding Taiwan’s WHO membership led to accusations of Chinese government influence and criticism of the WHO.

Summoned by the Canadian Parliament

In April 2020, the Canadian Parliament’s health committee summoned Aylward to testify regarding his role in the WHO’s COVID-19 response. This underscores the global interest in his work and the significant impact of his decisions.

Awards & Honors

• Recognized as one of Canada’s Nation Builders of 2002 (The Globe and Mail and the Dominion Institute).
• First recipient of the Memorial University Alumni Award for Outstanding Professional Achievement (2002).

Facts/Trivia

Aylward’s career is marked by innovation and impactful initiatives. He’s incorporated novel approaches, including enlisting young MBA graduates and communications specialists into his teams, and securing major funding from organizations like the Gates Foundation and the UN Foundation. He also oversaw substantial reforms within the WHO’s emergency response protocols.

Beyond his medical achievements, he’s authored over 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles and book chapters. His TEDx talk on the Ebola response gained significant popularity. His insight during the COVID-19 pandemic – emphasizing the importance of isolation, contact tracing, and testing – proved crucial.

Bruce Aylward’s Key Contributions