Dr Adetifa gets international appointment
Morayo Adetifa
The past Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa has been appointed as Chief Transformation Officer of FIND, the global alliance body dedicated to transforming diagnostic testing.
The organisation said Adetifa will also serve as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), adding that the appointment marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first African CEO from the Global South to lead the organisation.
FIND announced the appointment of Adetifa in a statement on Thursday.
The group stated that the ex-NCDC boss, a distinguished paediatrician and infectious disease epidemiologist, brings a wealth of experience to FIND.
It added that while steering the affairs of the NCDC, Adetifa played critical role in advancing Nigeria’s COVID-19 response.
Expressing enthusiasm for the new role, Adetifa said he was thrilled to join FIND at such a crucial time for global health and diagnostics.
He said “I look forward to leading FIND’s team and working with our global partners to drive diagnostic innovation and ensure advancements reach those most in need.”
He said that as he begins the tenure, he is set to steer FIND through a new era of transformation, focusing on innovation and expanding global access to diagnostic testing.
Dr Ayoade Alakija, the Chair of the FIND Board, highlighted the importance of the appointment, saying “as FIND embarks on transformative journey, we are excited to welcome Dr Adetifa as CEO.
“His appointment is a historic first for FIND, reflecting our commitment to diversity and global health leadership. Rebalancing the power to advance health for all, and we are proud to have Dr Adetifa lead us in this mission.”
NAN reports that Adetifa’s background include work on diseases such as Lassa fever, malaria, tuberculosis and respiratory syncytial virus at national, regional, and international levels.
He also served on the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
He held undergraduate medical qualifications from University of Ilorin, Nigeria, and completed his pediatric residency at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
He earned an MSc from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and a PhD in Epidemiology from University of Amsterdam.
Before his role at NCDC, he was an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology at LSHTM.
(NAN)
