Dr. Neil Squires Becomes IANPHI’s New Secretary General

The International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI), a peer leader-led global network of 128 government owned National Public Health Institutions (NPHIs) based in 107 countries, appointed Professor Neil Squires as the new IANPHI Secretary General. He is the former director of global operations at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and former director of global public health at UKHSA's predecessor organization, Public Health England. Prof. Squires is a medical doctor, who trained in primary care and in tropical medicine and held several positions in national and global public health.

IANPHI, founded in 2006, transferred the secretariat from Sante publique France to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Berlin this year. IANPHI builds public health capacity by connecting, developing, and strengthening NPHIs world-wide working with national governments and in close partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO).

On receiving confirmation of his appointment Prof. Squires said, "It is a huge honor to take on this role at a critical time for global health, when the need to develop and support strong NPHIs and a capable public health workforce has never been greater. Global health security and population resilience to multiple threats to public health requires health systems that are equipped to deliver the full range of the WHO Essential Public Health Functions."

IANPHI President Duncan Selbie said, "We are delighted to have Neil join IANPHI as secretary general. His appointment represents a new phase for our global network of the leaders of government owned public health organizations that will bring great opportunities for NPHIs world-wide."

Professor Lars Schaade, president of RKI, added, "As Robert Koch Institute, we are delighted to host the IANPHI Secretariat with its newly appointed secretary general Prof. Neil Squires. I look forward to all that IANPHI will achieve under his leadership."