By Ijeoma UKAZU
The Academy of Public Health (APH), the flagship body of the West African Institute of Public Health awards fellowship has announced the eminent persons for the 2023 Distinguished Fellowship of the Academy of Public Health (DFAPH).
The award recognises the outstanding leadership and service to humanity, making a difference in the lives of people and as wel as inspiring young leaders to excel in their public health work.
According to the press statement made available by APH, these highest ranked fellows are singled out by their outstanding contributions to public health across Africa and DFAPH is the highest fellowship rank in the Roll of Fellows of the academy.
“Oyewale Tomori, Uche Veronica Amazigo, Pape Amadou Gaye, Leslie Mancuso, Wondimagegnehu Alemu, Joy Phumaphi, Rose Gana Fomban Leke and Michel Sidibé are the eight (8) eminent persons selected for the nominations.”
“Each recognised fellows have played a major role around public health across Africa. The selection of eminent personalities for DFAPH were nominated by the committee of the Academy with inputs from the young professionals in public health across Africa and the impact in working towards ensuring equity, better health and wellbeing for all,” It states.
Oyewale Tomori is a renowned figure in the field of infectious diseases and virology with a career spanning decades that includes the World Health Organization (WHO). He has made significant contributions to research, education, and public health initiatives in Africa.
‘He has played a pivotal role in combating infectious diseases like Ebola and Lassa fever, providing expertise and leadership in various global health organizations.
Also, dedication to strengthening healthcare systems and infectious disease control measures in Africa has earned him recognition as a prominent leader in the field of virology and public health on the continent.’
Uche Veronica Amazigo, is a professor of medical parasitology and a renowned public health specialist. She has made valuable contributions in the fields of health, parasitology, and social inclusion and development.
‘Her expertise has been instrumental in the control of neglected tropical diseases, particularly onchocerciasis (river blindness). Her leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact on global public health, making her a highly respected figure in her field.’
Wondimagegnehu (Wondi) Alemu, Adjunct Professor and former senior World Health Organization (WHO) official involved vital roles at national, regional and global levels that shaped international health policies, particularly in combating infectious diseases and strengthening healthcare systems in low-resource settings.
‘He continues to share his expertise, inspiring future generations of public health leaders and fostering innovation in the pursuit of global health equity and sustainable development.’
Pape Amadou Gaye, president emeritus of IntraHealth, is a notable figure in the field of international development and humanitarian assistance. ‘He is recognized for his unwavering commitment to improving global health outcomes, particularly in underserved regions.’
This year’s awards has been selected by the awards committee composed of public health professionals and development experts selected the top nominees by young professionals in public health across Africa.
Award recipients are formally being notified of their awards and the date for the induction ceremony, a hybrid event, is Thursday, November 2, 2023 in Abuja, FCT Nigeria.
The Distinguished Fellowship of the Academy of Public Health (with post nominal scripts “DFAPH”) was established by the Academy of Public Health in 2016 as a special fellowship Award for outstanding leaders making an impact in public health, especially in ways that will positively impact on health systems in Africa and beyond.
The West African Institute of Public Health, which is the leading regional non-state health development organisation working in enabling environment, professional development, research, standards, consulting and advisory services., as well as programme implementation.
The Academy of Public Health is the faculty of the Institute, which is a membership-based body that focuses on building a strong network of highly skilled and competent public health practitioners. The Institute is also the keeper of the regional charter of public health.