By Adedapo Adesanya
Africa Public Health Foundation has announced the appointment of Dr Ebere Okereke as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
With her wealth of experience spanning 30 years as a global health physician in various fields, notably in the United Kingdom, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Trinidad & Tobago, the foundation says she brings a depth of expertise in leadership, change management, system strengthening and organizational development.
This also includes programme design and implementation team building, stakeholder engagement and management communication, training, advocacy, report writing, presentation and, generally technical expertise in public and global health.
She has co-authored e-learning resources for the UK’s Royal College of General Practitioners and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).
Additionally, she was an honorary senior lecturer at the School of Medicine, Leeds University and is an associate member of the Bradford University School of Health Studies Centre for Inclusion and Diversity and on the steering committee and faculty of the Africa CDC Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership programme.
“The Governing Council, led by Dr Bernard Haufiku, welcomes Dr Okereke and looks forward to working with her to achieve the Foundation’s mission of improving public health in Africa,” a statement from the group said.
Africa Public Health Foundation is a non-profit charitable foundation committed to improving public health outcomes and promoting health equity in Africa through the provision of resources, knowledge, and support for health systems strengthening health workforce development, and community-based health interventions.
As the CEO, Dr Okereke’s key priorities will include strengthening the organisation’s role as a leader in promoting health equity in Africa, building strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, and enhancing the Foundation’s capacity to respond to emerging health challenges in the region.
She has been an honorary senior public health adviser to past directors Director of Africa CDC and has led several special programs, including being one of those who played a key role in the development of the Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing, the steering of the development of Africa CDC’s 2022-2027 strategy and leadership capacity programs, and the ongoing transition to an autonomous African Union agency.
As a medical consultant in global public health, Dr Okereke led the development of the £16 million Public Health England (PHE, now UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)) program, which strengthened the capacity of low- and middle-income countries to comply with the International Health Regulations.
She also has extensive experience in developing capacity and training health professionals and the public about public health programs, including co-authoring e-learning resources for the UK’s Royal College of General Practitioners and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).
“I am honoured and excited to be taking on the role of CEO of Africa Public Health Foundation at this critical time. I am committed to working with our partners and stakeholders to promote health equity and improve public health outcomes in Africa,” she said of her appointment.
