INTERNATIONAL. Dr Lee Jong-wook, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed top model and Estée Lauder spokesperson Liya Kebede (pictured) Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.
Each year more than half a million women die during pregnancy and childbirth, and nearly 11 million children die before they reach their fifth birthday. Almost all of these deaths occur in the developing world and could be prevented with relatively simple interventions such as skilled attendants at birth, breastfeeding and vaccinations.
Ethiopian supermodel and a mother, Kebede’s responsibilities will include raising global awareness of these issues and helping WHO in its campaign to improve the health of mothers and children. Her appointment comes a month before World Health Day 2005 – the slogan for which is “Make Every Mother and Child Count”.
BIOGRAPHY OF LIYA KEBEDE
Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Kebede graduated from the French Lycée in Addis. She subsequently moved to Paris to pursue her modelling career.
Kebede has appeared on the covers of American, French, Italian, Spanish, Korean and Japanese Vogue, as well Time Style and Design. Other recent features include editorial spreads in American and British Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. She was recently voted model of the year in Asia.
Kebede is currently a “face” of Estée Lauder – the first woman of colour to represent the brand in its 59-year history. This appointment has triggered countless more editorials in high profile publications, including the New York Times.
Kebede has also been involved in modelling campaigns for Yves Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton, among others.
She currently lives in New York City with her husband and their four-year old son, Suhul.
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