Planned Parenthood Welcomes New Head of International Planned Parenthood Federation, Dr. Alvaro Bermejo

Planned Parenthood warmly welcomes Dr. Alvaro Bermejo, who has been appointed as the next Director General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation.

Statement from Latanya Mapp Frett, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Global:

With more than 20 years of global executive experience in HIV and AIDS, humanitarian issues, and health policy, Dr. Bermejo assumes a vital leadership role in this age of Trump as the administration continues its attacks on sexual and reproductive health and rights domestically and globally. With the reinstatement and expansion of the global gag rule earlier this year, the global health community is for the first time in the history of this destructive policy encountering threats not just to family planning, but HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, and a host of other types of health programs. Dr. Bermejo’s experience and commitment to human rights and comprehensive health care for all people will be invaluable in fighting back against these destructive policies.

Statement from Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

I am thrilled to have Dr. Bermejo take the helm of International Planned Parenthood Federation, leading its tireless work to expand access to reproductive health care globally. There has never been a more important time to stand with and fight for women around the world – and we’re so pleased with IPPF’s decision to tap Dr. Bermejo. His steadfast commitment to serving communities most in need has already improved countless lives, and I look forward to seeing what IPPF is able to accomplish under his tenure.

Dr. Bermejo will be taking up his position at IPPF on March 1. He is currently executive director of the Survive and Thrive portfolio at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), where he helped build an adolescent sexual and reproductive health portfolio in addition to the more established health, nutrition, and education portfolios. Previously, he led the International HIV/AIDS Alliance for over a decade, where he oversaw rapid growth in its programs and new country expansion, as well as achieved significant policy influence. Dr. Bermejo is a Spanish national. He qualified as a medical doctor from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and holds an M.A. degree in public health from the University of Leeds.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America is a founding member and the U.S. member association to IPPF.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.

For more than 45 years Planned Parenthood Federation of America has supported access to sexual and reproductive health care and advocated for reproductive rights around the world through our international arm, Planned Parenthood Global. In partnership with more than 100 organizations across 12 focus countries in Africa and Latin America, we advance the health and rights of young people, women and families, with an emphasis on the most vulnerable and underserved. Last year, our partners reached over a million people with sexual and reproductive health information and services provided by our partners. Our unique sustainability model sets us apart, as we empower partners to stand on their own. We help grassroots organizations develop solid reproductive health programs, identify other sources of funding, build their communications and advocacy skills, and develop strategic plans.