Geneva — Unitaid congratulates Ellen ‘t Hoen on the announcement that H.M. King Alexander of the Netherlands has conferred on her the title of ‘Officier in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau’, in recognition of her important contribution on global health and access to medicines at the international level.

Amongst her many achievements, Ellen ‘t Hoen was instrumental in setting up the Medicines Patent Pool ten years ago in 2010, which Unitaid has funded since its creation. She also was its first Executive Director.

“This honour first and foremost is a wonderful recognition of Ellen’s work, and her strong personal commitment and tireless efforts to ensuring that people everywhere in the world can obtain the medicines they need”, said Dr Philippe Duneton, Unitaid Executive Director a.i. “It also comes at a crucial time as the COVID-19 pandemic raises concerns of equitable access to the most effective products and technologies. The most vulnerable populations face significant challenges with regard to availability and affordability. Ellen’s work, and what Unitaid and MPP are doing, is more important now than ever.”