In Memoriam: Duff Gillespie, 1942-2025
Duff’s career in public health spanned more than six decades and focused on reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, and health policy. He was a leader in both research and program development.
Dr. Duff Gillespie speaking at the 20th anniversary of the Wiliam H. Gates Sr. Institute, October 2019
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Professor Emeritus Duff Gillespie, a cherished member of our department and a global leader in reproductive health and family planning.
Dr. Gillespie earned a BA in Political Science (1964), MA in Sociology (1966) and a PhD also in Sociology (1969) from Washington University in St Louis. His career in global health spanned more than six decades, leaving a lasting impact on international population and reproductive health policy. He joined the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in 1973 as a health administrator and went on to serve in several key leadership roles, including Chief of the Research Division and Director of the Office of Population. He played a central role in the creation of USAID’s Global Health Bureau and ultimately served as Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator—the highest-ranking career position in the agency’s health sector.
Throughout his 30 years at USAID, Dr. Gillespie was instrumental in shaping U.S. global health strategies and advancing evidence-based programs around the world. His work laid the groundwork for transformative policies in international health and population, and he collaborated extensively with global institutions such as the United Nations Population Fund, World Health Organization, UNAIDS, bilateral donor agencies, private foundations, and ministries of health across the globe.
After his government service, he served as a visiting scholar at the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. In 2004, he joined the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health as a Professor in the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health.
During his time at Bloomberg School of Public Health, Dr. Gillespie founded and co-led the Advance Family Planning (AFP) initiative, a groundbreaking, evidence-based advocacy effort housed within the William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health. Under his guidance, AFP expanded access to high-quality family planning services across nine countries and two regions in Africa and Asia—ultimately contributing to more than 128 million women gaining access to contraceptive services, supplies, and information.
Duff was a visionary in every sense. His work had a profound and measurable impact on reproductive health access around the world. Through his leadership, millions of women were able to make informed choices about their health and futures. His legacy will continue to influence the field for years to come.
Phil Anglewicz
Director, William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health
Dr. Gillespie was widely recognized for his career contributions to reproductive health advocacy and policy. His many awards include the Arthur S. Flemming Award, USAID Administrator’s Distinguished Career Service Award, Presidential Rank Award (three times), and a Lifetime Recognition Award from the Global Health Council.
Dr. Gillespie and Friends, 2018 International Conference on Family Planning, Kigali, Rwanda
Beyond his global influence, here in PFRH, Duff was a dedicated educator and mentor. He taught the influential course Understanding and Changing International Reproductive Health Policy for more than a decade and supported countless trainees, staff, and faculty who collaborated with him on AFP and other initiatives. His mentorship shaped the next generation of public health leaders.
Duff was a dear colleague, teacher, and friend. His warmth, generosity, and unwavering commitment to our department created a supportive and inspiring environment for faculty, staff, and students alike.
We honor Duff’s remarkable legacy and the profound impact he had on global health, our school, our department, and each of us who had the privilege to work alongside him.