FIND, the global alliance for diagnostics, announced today that the former Director-General of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control & Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa, has been appointed as the new Chief Transformation Officer (CTO) as well as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He has a wealth of experience and a proven track record in health security and global health, particularly in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
Honoured to step into my new role at @FINDdx during this transformative time. I am committed to driving innovation and expanding access to diagnostics, and ensuring that those who need them the most are never left behind. https://t.co/HEDYzynlM7
— Ifedayo Adetifa (@IfedayoTiffy) August 22, 2024
Dr. Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa obtained his undergraduate medical degree from the University of Ilorin in Nigeria. Following completion of his pediatric residency at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Idi-Araba, Lagos, Dr. Adetifa was awarded a fellowship by the West Africa College of Physicians in Paediatrics.
The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), in London, awarded him an MSc, and the University of Amsterdam awarded him a Ph.D., both in epidemiology. He was also an associate professor of infectious disease epidemiology at LSHTM before joining the NCDC.
Dr. Adetifa expressed his excitement and said I’m thrilled to lead the FIND team and collaborate with our global partners to advance diagnostic innovation and ensure that these advancements reach the people who need them the most.
Formerly the CEO and Director-General of the national public health institute for Nigeria, NCDC, Dr. Adetifa is a skilled pediatrician and proficient epidemiologist in infectious diseases. He was instrumental in developing Nigeria’s COVID-19 response while he was employed by the NCDC. In addition to supervising a large workforce dedicated to combating endemic and outbreak pathogens and managing sizeable budgets, he effectively advocated for substantial program funding.
The FIND Board Chair, Dr. Ayoade Alakija, emphasized the importance of this appointment, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Adetifa to the FIND family as he takes on CEO responsibilities as the company embarks on a new and exciting transformative journey.”
With an extensive background, Dr. Adetifa has worked on health systems at the national, regional, continental, and international levels, as well as Lassa fever, vaccinations and immunizations, respiratory syncytial virus, malaria, and tuberculosis. He currently serves on the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
Since he is the first African CEO from the Global South to be appointed by FIND, his appointment represents a significant turning point. I’m especially happy that the Geneva Global Health Campus and its wider ecosystem have welcomed the first African Chief Executive. Power must be balanced for the sake of health for all, and I remain steadfast in my commitment to ensuring that the leadership in global health represents the diversity of the people we serve.
In his new position, Dr. Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa is well-positioned to lead FIND through this period of change and further the organization’s goals of innovation and increased access to worldwide diagnostic testing to make sure people who require it most are not left behind.
FIND is accelerating the transition to universal health coverage and global health security in collaboration with nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other international organizations. Around the world, FIND expedites fair access to reliable diagnosis. The company goals include enabling efficient disease surveillance, constructing robust and sustainable health systems, and closing vital testing gaps that put people at risk for diseases that are treatable and preventable.
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