Te Aho o Te Kahu | Cancer Control Agency thanks outgoing Director-General of Health Dr. Diana Sarfati

Te Aho o Te Kahu | Cancer Control Agency today thanks
outgoing Director-General of Health Dr. Diana Sarfati, for
her leadership and commitment to improving New Zealand’s
health outcomes.

“On behalf of Te Aho o Te Kahu |
Cancer Control Agency, I want to thank Dr. Sarfati for her
years of work focused on improving the health and wellbeing
of all New Zealanders,” Chief Executive of Te Aho o Te Kahu
| Cancer Control Agency Rami Rahal said.

“Dr.
Sarfati’s contributions to the health system have been
immense, and she leaves a substantial legacy as she steps
down from her role.”

As a public health physician and
researcher, Dr. Sarfati produced groundbreaking research on
how cancer disproportionately affects Māori communities.
Her pioneering work informed critical policy decisions and
played a central role in establishing the New Zealand Cancer
Control Agency.

Dr. Sarfati joined the Agency as
interim Chief Executive in 2019 and was appointed permanent
Chief Executive in July 2020.

“As Chief
Executive, she transformed the Agency into an agile
organisation capable of steering the nation’s cancer
control efforts, while helping the system respond to
immediate challenges,” Rahal
said.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr.
Sarfati led the development of key work that ensured any
missed diagnoses or treatments due to closures and
restrictions were promptly addressed – leading to New
Zealand being recognised as a world leader in protecting
cancer patients during the pandemic. This was just one
example of the many achievements Dr. Sarfati has delivered
during her tenure.”

“As Chief Executive of Te
Aho o Te Kahu and Director-General, she provided strong,
evidence-informed leadership and guidance to a health system
emerging from substantial reforms.”

“On behalf of Te
Aho o Te Kahu, I want to express our deep appreciation for
Dr. Sarfati’s visionary leadership and to acknowledge the
lasting impact of her work on the health system. We wish her
every success in her future
endeavours.”

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