Bill Roedy takes up fight against childhood disease, joins GAVI (PR Newswire)
Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland and chair of the board of GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccinations and Immunizations), asked Bill to become that foundation’s first envoy/ambassador. Bill helps raise to raise Gavi's profile & awareness about the importance of childhood vaccines in the fight against major killers like pneumonia and diarrheal diseases. Former CEO of MTV Networks to share knowledge and experience as independent member.
GENEVA, 25 June 2015 – Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is delighted to announce the appointment of Bill Roedy as an independent Board member, supporting the organization’s work to protect children’s lives through immunisation.
Bill Roedy joins Gavi Vaccine Alliance Board to help keep vaccines rocking Independent Board members bring a diverse range of expertise and experience to support Gavi’s ambitious goal of helping the world’s poorest countries immunise 300 million children between 2016 and 2020, leading to up to six million lives being saved.
After serving in Vietnam, Mr Roedy spearheaded the global expansion of MTV International Networks over a 22 year period. During his time at MTV, Mr Roedy combined his business acumen with a passion for social issues and launched the Staying Alive foundation and was actively involved with the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS and the Global Media AIDS Initiative.
A tireless campaigner for children’s health, Mr Roedy has supported Gavi for the past four years including at two replenishment conferences, in London in 2011 and, more recently, in January in Berlin. The events secured donor pledges of US$4.3 billion and US$ 7.5 billion respectively.
“Gavi has earned a reputation for innovation and impact and Bill Roedy embodies these aims perfectly,” said Gavi Board Chair Dagfinn Høybråten. “We are extremely grateful for Bill’s support over the past four years and we are looking forward to benefitting from his knowledge and expertise during Board deliberations in the future.”
