Important step to strengthen Norway’s global health efforts

Dr Røttingen will be leaving his position as Chief Executive of the Research Council of Norway to join the Ministry. He is already coordinating the World Health Organization’s international collaborative study on the effect of treatments for Covid-19.  

‘John-Arne Røttingen is an expert in his field and is highly respected internationally. Norway has played a leading role in the global health arena for many years, and the Government considers it vital to further expand these efforts. Global health and the development of vaccines are among Norway’s top priorities, and the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of this work. The appointment of Dr Røttingen as Special Adviser on Global Health will enhance our efforts and position in this area,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide.

As Norway’s global health ambassador, Dr Røttingen will oversee the country’s global health efforts and participation in international activities to combat Covid-19.

Through its active role in establishing and supporting the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (Cepi) and its contributions to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Norway has placed itself at the forefront of the effort to ensure equitable global access to vaccines.

‘Dr Røttingen has worked in the field of global health for many years. His expertise and international standing will be extremely valuable in addressing the complex global challenges we are facing. Alongside its strong commitment to the effort to develop a vaccine against Covid-19, Norway will continue to work to promote the equitable distribution of vaccines to all countries, independent of their level of development. The pandemic is a global problem that is having a particularly severe impact on vulnerable groups. A global solution that is available to everyone is therefore essential,’ said Minister of International Development Dag-Inge Ulstein.

About John-Arne Røttingen

John-Arne Røttingen has been the Chief Executive of the Research Council of Norway since 1 March 2017, and is a Visiting Fellow of Practice at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. He received his MD and PhD from the University of Oslo, an MSc from Oxford University and an MPA from Harvard University.

Press contact: Tuva Raanes Bogsnes, (+47) 93 23 18 83