IPM Mourns Loss of Dr. Els Borst-Eilers

It is with profound sadness that IPM mourns the loss of Dr. Els Borst-Eilers, former Dutch Minister of Health, Welfare, and Sport, and Deputy Prime Minister, as well as a founding member and former Chair of IPM's Board.

Dr. Borst dedicated her life to improving the health and lives of others. She championed a wide range of causes from medical ethics to health care policy and reform during her term as Health Minister from 1994 to 2002 and beyond. She was appointed Minister of State in 2012, a rare honorary title granted for exceptional service that allowed her to represent her country internationally.

As a member of IPM’s governance from its very beginning in 2002, Dr. Borst saw the organization through a period of intense growth, helping to shape and sharpen our vision of a world where women have the tools they need to protect their sexual and reproductive health.

Under Dr. Borst’s guidance as Board Chair from 2005 to 2008, IPM advanced the development of the dapivirine ring and supported a robust pipeline of next-generation products.  The legacy of Dr. Borst’s strong and steady leadership, scientific insight and compassion for others will continue to inspire IPM’s direction well into the future, and we will miss her deeply.