Ruth Lawson
Biography
Ruth took up her role as Deputy Permanent Representative Global Health, UK Representative to the Global Health Boards in August 2024.
Ruth was most recently Development Director, FCDO Sudan (2022 to 2024).
Ruth is a medical doctor by training with specialist qualifications in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Public Health. She joined FCDO in 2011, initially leading UK global maternal, newborn and child health policy, with subsequent postings to Nigeria, Pakistan, Ethiopia and Sudan. Prior to joining FCDO Ruth worked as an NHS clinician and public health physician, followed by 7 years in Ethiopia as a hospital CEO and Director of a national health care reform programme.
Ruth is a graduate of Glasgow University Medical School and the University of London, a Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom and a Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Deputy Permanent Representative Global Health, UK Representative to the Global Health Boards
The Deputy Permanent Representative Global Health represents the UK in multilateral global health negotiations at the World Health Organisation, and is the UK Board Member to Gavi, the Global Fund and UNAIDS Boards. The DPR plays a leading role to build global resilience against threats to human health for a safer and more prosperous world and ensures that UK investments in global health (£1 billion per year) deliver value for money and achieve maximum impact to save lives.