Former Minister of State for Health, Muhammad Pate, has left the Global Alliance for Vaccines Initiative (GAVI) to take up a national assignment in Nigeria.

Mr Pete was appointed on February 13 as Gavi’s new chief executive officer. He took over as the CEO of Gavi from Seth Berkley.

But the international organisation, in a statement issued via its website on Monday, stated that Mr Pete stepped down from his position by informing Gavi’s board chair and vice chair that he has taken an “incredibly difficult decision to accept a request to return and contribute to his home country, Nigeria.”

“Dr Pate informed the Gavi board chair and vice chair that he has taken an incredibly difficult decision to accept a request to return and contribute to his home country, Nigeria.

“Gavi fully respects the decision and wishes Dr Pate the very best for the future. On informing Gavi, Dr Pate thanked the chair of the Gavi board, José Manuel Barroso, the diverse set of Gavi board members and partners, current CEO Dr Seth Berkley, and the secretariat staff for their support over the last few months, commenting that he will remain a steadfast champion of the Gavi mission.”

Gavi, therefore, announced that the board, on Monday, approved the appointment of David Marlow, who is Gavi’s current Chief Operating Officer, to the position of interim chief executive officer.

It disclosed that the appointment would take effect on 3 August 2023.

“The Gavi board decided today to appoint David Marlow, currently Gavi’s chief operating officer, to the position of interim chief executive officer, effective 3 August 2023.

“The Gavi board is delighted that Mr Marlow has accepted this responsibility and has full confidence in the strength of the Gavi leadership team and the Alliance to support this transition.

“The Gavi board is committed to delivering on its mission and strategic priorities while it conducts a search for the next CEO,” Gavi said.