The West African Institute of Public Health (WAIPH) has announced the 2024 recipients of its prestigious Distinguished Fellowship of the Academy of Public Health (DFAPH).
This year’s honourees are celebrated for their exceptional leadership, scholarship, and dedication to advancing public
health in Africa and globally.
2024 Distinguished Fellowship Recipients are Dr. Matshidiso
Moeti, Mr. Joel Lamstein, Dr. Magda
Robalo, and Dr. John Nkengasong.
According to the statement, the selection process was
overseen by the WAIPH’s membership committee, driven by contributions from
emerging African public health professionals.
"These outstanding leaders were chosen for their
unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes and shaping public health
policies in Africa," it reads.
The DFAPH is the highest accolade in the WAIPH Fellowship
Roll. It is awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in
public health.
Recipients also become Senior Adjunct Faculties of the
institute, further contributing to WAIPH’s health education and capacity-building mission.
WAIPH will formally confer the awards at a hybrid induction
ceremony and workshop in Abuja on November 7, 2024.
The event is expected to draw key stakeholders in public
health and will serve as a platform for knowledge-sharing and inspiration for
the next generation of public health professionals.
Speaking on the legacy of public health excellence, Dr.
Francis Ohanyido, Director-General of WAIPH, said this year’s awardees join a
prestigious group of past recipients, including global health figures such as
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Helen Clark, Michel Sidibe, and Oyewale Tomori.
"Their work reflects the enduring impact of public
health leadership on communities and health systems worldwide.
"We are honoured to recognize these leaders who have
made significant contributions to public health in Africa and beyond. Their
efforts have transformed health landscapes, and we are proud to welcome them
into our distinguished fellowship," he said.
The West African Institute of Public Health (WAIPH) is
committed to improving health outcomes across Africa through education,
research, and public health leadership initiatives.
