Dr Ebere Okereke

Dr. Ebere Okereke is a dedicated public health physician, recognised for her extensive expertise in shaping public health policy, designing strategic frameworks, and successfully executing complex health programs. Her work primarily focuses on global health security, health system strengthening, and the cultivation of effective leadership in the field. Dr. Okereke has garnered prestigious accolades in recognition of her advocacy for women and underrepresented groups in public health leadership, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the field.

Her contributions to the world of academic medicine were honored by the British Medical Association, which recognized her as an outstanding role model for women in academic medicine. Additionally, the UK Government Science and Engineering Profession recognized her as an "Inspirational Leader in Science and Engineering.". She was profiled in The Lancet in November 2023 and in December 2023, she received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine UK.

Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Public Health Foundation, Dr. Okereke has held pivotal roles in esteemed organisations, including her previous position as the Lead Consultant in Public Health England's International Health Regulations Strengthening Programme. Her influence has also extended to the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, where she served as a Senior Adviser, and as an Honorary Senior Adviser to the inaugural Director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. As an adviser at the Africa CDC, she co-lead the creation of the Partnerships for African Vaccines Manufacturing.

Beyond her professional roles, Dr. Okereke actively engages in numerous prominent institutions and initiatives. She sits on the governing board of the Albert Luthuli Institute of Leadership at Pretoria University and is a founding member of the Africa CDC Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Programme. Her involvement extends to several global health expert reference and advisory groups, as well as scientific committees. She served on the GAVI Expert Reference Group for the creation of the Africa Vaccines Manufacturing Accelerator and is currently a member of the WHO African Region Emergency Preparedness and Response Technical Advisory Group.

Dr. Okereke is a Fellow of the UK Faculty of Public Health and an Associate Fellow at Chatham House. She is a graduate of the University of Nigeria College of Medicine, where her journey in public health leadership and advocacy began and has post graduate qualifications from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Newcastle University and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.