Unitaid is horrified to learn of the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe today. Our deepest condolences go out to the nation of Japan and all its people.

Dedicated to securing access to affordable healthcare, Prime Minister Abe was a champion for universal health coverage and played an integral role in securing a space for these issues to be discussed at the highest global level. Under his leadership, Japan developed a strong partnership with Unitaid, ultimately becoming a member of Unitaid’s Executive Board in December 2020.

“Prime Minister Abe elevated Japan’s commitment to global health which has led his country to, today, play a leading role in the fight against the infectious diseases,” said Marisol Touraine, Chair of Unitaid’s Executive Board. “My sincerest sympathies go out to the people of Japan who are all victims of this terrible act of violence.”

Unitaid condemns this awful event that has ended the life of a tireless public servant and advocate for health.

• ユニットエイドは安倍晋三元首相の暗殺という訃報に接し、深い哀悼の意を表します。

Media contact:

For more information and media requests:

Maggie Zander

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M: +41 79 593 17 74

zanderm@unitaid.who.int