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Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children Mourns Passing of Dr. Allan Rosenfield

New York, NY - The Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children expressed its sorrow today at the death of Dr. Allan Rosenfield, Dean Emeritus of Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia's College of Physicians and Surgeons. Rosenfield served as dean of the school from 1986 to 2008.

"We are deeply saddened to lose a valued friend and colleague," said Carolyn Makinson, Executive Director of the Women's Commission. "Allan was a true champion of women and girls and called attention to the particular needs of populations displaced by war and natural disasters. He was at the forefront of efforts to advance reproductive health and human rights for women and girls worldwide. "

Rosenfield was among the first male commissioners of the Women's Commission, serving the organization in an advisory capacity.

Under Rosenfield's leadership, the Mailman School of Public Health supported the Women's Commission and partner organizations' initiative to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in nine countries affected by conflict by improving the availability of basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric services. He also supported the RAISE initiative (Reproductive Health Access, Information and Services in Emergencies).

"As a result of Allan's advocacy and support, tens of thousands of women and girls uprooted by conflict have access to life-saving care during pregnancy and childbirth and other essential reproductive health services," said Makinson.

Read Nicholas Kristof's blog post, "Remembering Allan Rosenfield," on NYTimes.com.