IPPF mourns the passing of former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, a champion of world peace, population issues, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and extends its heartfelt condolences.

27 October 2026, London - IPPF is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Prime Minister Fukuda, who supported IPPF strongly for many years.

Former Prime Minister Fukuda was a champion of world peace, population issues, and SRHR. In his policy address in January 2008 and at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he stated that peace is the primary prerequisite for solving global challenges such as the environment, poverty, and public health. He declared that Japan would play a responsible role through peaceful means as a “Peace Fostering Nation.” At the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit and the 4th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV), held in Japan that same year, he demonstrated strong leadership as the host nation’s Prime Minister to bring those words to life. He clearly articulated the importance of health —including maternal and child health and reproductive health— in development and the need to strengthen support in these areas, thereby sparking a global movement toward the promotion of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) that leaves no one behind—a movement that would later converge with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Former Prime Minister Fukuda has been particularly dedicated to addressing population and development issues. He served as Chair of the “Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD)” from 2005 to 2012 and as President of the “Japan Parliamentary Federation on Population (JPFP)” from 2007 to 2012; even afterwards, as Honorary President, he continued to devote himself to bringing together lawmakers across party lines. Whenever the IPPF Director General visited Japan, Mr Fukuda would carve out time from his busy schedule for a meeting, demonstrating a keen interest in population and SRHR issues worldwide and a deep understanding of IPPF’s work.

Even after retiring from politics, he expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I want to continue tackling major issues that affect the future of humanity.” He also remarked, “It is precisely this accumulation of steady, down-to-earth efforts—such as IPPF’s work to consistently and diligently deliver the health and medical services people need, day in and day out, right within their communities—that is of the utmost importance.”

IPPF offers its deepest condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Fukuda. We hereby pledge to carry on his legacy and continue to devote ourselves wholeheartedly to our work, ensuring that SRHR—a major issue shaping the future of humanity—is accessible to all people. 

Maria Antonieta Alcalde, IPPF Director General