By Oseni Yusuf, Nigeria
In a significant move to bolster its global health leadership, FIND, a leading foundation in Geneva, Switzerland August 22, 2024 dedicated to advancing diagnostic innovation, has appointed Dr Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa as Chief Transformation Officer. Dr Adetifa, a renowned pediatrician and infectious disease epidemiologist, will also assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the organization.
In a press release made available by Winnie Kariuki, August 22, 2024, The Program Associate, Global Health Strategies, Africa said, “Dr Adetifa joins FIND from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control & Prevention (NCDC), where he served as Director-General and CEO. His instrumental leadership during Nigeria’s COVID-19 response and his extensive experience in combating infectious diseases make him a valuable asset to FIND’s mission of driving diagnostic innovation and ensuring equitable access to healthcare”.
“I am honored to join FIND at this pivotal moment for global health,” said Dr Adetifa. “I look forward to leading the team and collaborating with our partners to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative diagnostics that address the most pressing health challenges.”
Dr Ayoade Alakija, Chair of the FIND Board, expressed her enthusiasm for Dr Adetifa’s appointment: “Dr Adetifa’s exceptional leadership skills and deep understanding of global health will be invaluable as FIND embarks on a new era of transformation. His appointment marks a significant milestone for both FIND and the broader global health community.”
Dr Adetifa’s extensive experience spans national, regional, and international levels, encompassing Lassa fever, vaccines and immunization, respiratory syncytial virus, malaria, tuberculosis, and health systems. His academic background includes medical qualifications from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, and advanced degrees in pediatrics and epidemiology from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
As FIND’s new Chief Transformation Officer, Dr Adetifa will play a pivotal role in guiding the organization towards its goal of ensuring that everyone, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, has access to the diagnostic tools they need to stay healthy. His leadership will be instrumental in driving innovation, expanding access to diagnostic testing, and strengthening global health security.