Sodiq Ojuroungbe
A global non-profit organisation, FIND, has announced the appointment of a former Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control & Prevention, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa as its new Chief Executive Officer and Chief Transformation Officer.
FIND in a statement on its website on Thursday sighted by PUNCH Healthwise, said Adetifa will lead the organisation’s transformation journey, drive diagnostic innovation and ensure advancements reach those most in need.
Adetifa, a seasoned paediatrician and infectious disease epidemiologist, reportedly brings a wealth of experience in global health and health security, particularly in the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
He was appointed the NCDC DG on September 6, 2021, and he handed over to Dr Jide Idris in February 2024.
The statement added that the new FIND CEO would guide the organisation in advancing its mission to innovate and expand access to diagnostic testing globally.
“FIND is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa as Chief Transformation Officer. Dr Adetifa, who will also function as Chief Executive Officer, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in global health and health security, particularly in the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
“Dr Adetifa, a seasoned pediatrician and accomplished infectious disease epidemiologist, previously served as the Director-General and CEO of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control & Prevention. During his tenure at the NCDC, he played a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s COVID-19 response. He also attracted substantial programme funds, managed significant budgets, and supervised a large team dedicated to combating outbreak and endemic pathogens,” the statement added.
Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Dr Adetifa stated, “I am thrilled to join FIND at such a critical juncture for global health and especially for diagnostics. I look forward to leading FIND’s team and collaborating with our global partners to drive diagnostic innovation and ensure these advancements reach those most in need.”
The Chair of the FIND Board, Dr. Ayoade Alakija, highlighted the significance of this appointment: “As FIND embarks on a new and exciting transformative journey, we are excited to welcome Dr. Adetifa to the FIND family as he takes on CEO responsibilities. His appointment marks a significant milestone, as he becomes the first African CEO from the Global South that FIND was established to serve.
“I am particularly proud to welcome the first African Chief Executive into the Geneva Global Health Campus and the wider ecosystem. Rebalancing power is what will advance health for all, and I remain fully committed to ensuring that global health leadership reflects the diversity of the populations we serve.”
Adetifa’s extensive experience includes work at the national, regional, continental, and international levels on Lassa fever, vaccines and immunisation, respiratory syncytial virus, malaria, tuberculosis, and health systems.
He is also a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.
He received his undergraduate medical qualifications from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, and completed his pediatric residency at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos, with the award of a Fellowship of the West Africa College of Physicians in Paediatrics.
He then went on to obtain an MSc from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, and a Ph.D. (all in Epidemiology) from the University of Amsterdam. He also was an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology at LSHTM before his appointment to the NCDC.
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