Dr. Ebere Okereke appointed Chief Executive Officer of Africa Public Health Foundation
Dr. Ebere Okereke FFPHM FRSPH MSc (Public Health) DTM&H MBBS has been appointed as the new CEO of the Africa Public Health Foundation (https://APHF.Africa) (CEO). Dr. Okereke has worked as a doctor in global health for more than 30 years, mostly in Trinidad & Tobago, the United Kingdom, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.
She brings a breadth of expertise in public and global health, leadership, change management, system strengthening, organizational development, programme design and implementation team building, stakeholder engagement and management communication, training, advocacy, report writing, and presentation skills.
She has co-authored e-learning materials for the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the UK’s Royal College of General Practitioners (LSHTM). Additionally, she served as an honorary senior lecturer at the School of Medicine at Leeds University, is a member of the faculty and steering committee for the Africa CDC Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership program, and is an associate member of the Bradford University School of Health Studies Centre for Inclusion and Diversity.
By the provision of resources, information, and support for the building of health systems, the development of the health workforce, and community-based health interventions, the Africa Public Health Foundation works to advance health equity in Africa and improve public health outcomes.
As CEO, Dr. Okereke’s top responsibilities will include advancing the Africa Public Health Foundation’s position as a pioneer in advancing health equity in the continent, forming strategic alliances with important parties, and strengthening the Foundation’s capability to address new health issues in the area.
Dr. Okereke has directed a number of special programs and served as an honorary senior public health adviser to previous directors of the Africa CDC. She was one of those who made significant contributions to the Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing, the development of the Africa CDC’s 2022–2027 strategy, the development of its leadership capacity programs, and the ongoing process of becoming an independent African Union agency.
Dr. Okereke oversaw the creation of the £16 million Public Health England (PHE, now known as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)) program, which improved the ability of low- and middle-income nations to adhere to the International Health Rules. She also has substantial expertise in building capacity and educating the general public and health professionals about public health initiatives, including co-authoring e-learning materials for the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the UK’s Royal College of General Practitioners (LSHTM).
Dr. Okereke spoke about her appointment and said, “At this pivotal moment, I am proud and eager to assume the position of CEO of the Africa Public Health Foundation. Working with our partners and stakeholders to advance health equity and enhance public health outcomes in Africa is something I am firmly dedicated to.”
The Africa Public Health Foundation has been running for two and a half years with Dr. Francisco Songane serving as Interim CEO and a member of the Governing Council. The Foundation’s Governing Council, chaired by Dr. Bernard Haufiku, extends its warm welcome to Dr. Okereke and looks forward to working with her to advance public health in Africa.
