It is a great honor to accept the appointment as Director General of Fundación Anesvad. I embrace this responsibility with an unwavering commitment to integrity, dedication, and the continued advancement of our mission to eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Sub-Saharan Africa.
For nearly 60 years, Anesvad has been a pioneer in the fight against NTDs, championing their elimination as a matter of human rights and promoting the universal right to health. You have my commitment to uphold and strengthen this legacy.
As we all now recognize, our interconnectedness cannot be taken for granted. Climate change, economic migration, epidemics, and insecurity, among many other challenges, threaten progress and affect us all regardless of our location or economic status. From Bilbao, Bizkaia, I am proud to represent Spain’s longstanding tradition of solidarity, compassion, and commitment to creating a better world for all people, regardless of nationality, background, or origin.
The consequences of these diseases are profound. School-aged children, particularly girls, are often unable to attend school because of debilitating NTDs. Pregnant women face increased risks of maternal complications and mortality. Economic opportunity is limited when communities must contend with preventable diseases, and access to healthcare remains constrained when conditions go untreated. These challenges reinforce the importance of our mission.
I am deeply inspired by the work of this Foundation and by the dedication of its people. In just the first three months since my appointment, I have had the privilege of witnessing our impact firsthand. I attended the launch of our investment in Cameroon, where we are working closely with local partners to make a meaningful difference in communities affected by NTDs. We mobilized alliances and partnerships in support of the first Human Rights Resolution on NTDs and had the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to multilateral cooperation (key to success) through strategic international alliances and cooperation frameworks.
For 20 years, I had the privilege of working in international cooperation through the U.S. Department of State and USAID. Throughout my career, I have worked across four continents, leading efforts that integrated health, economic, and social development in some of the world’s most challenging environments. I am proud to have contributed to advancing human dignity and sustainable development, helping to build a safer and more prosperous world.
I am confident that our investments, advocacy, and research outlined in our new strategic plan will deliver lasting results and ensure that people remain at the center of everything we do. You have my commitment to helping create a safer, healthier, and more prosperous future for the communities we serve.
Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to sharing our achievements and successes with you in the years ahead.
