The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced the appointment of a Nigerian, Dr. Ayoade Alakija, as a Special Envoy for the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-Accelerator).
The global health body made the disclosure in a statement issued by its Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus.
The apex health agency explained that Alakija was appointed to lead a collective advocacy for the ACT-Accelerator, adding that Alakija in her capacity as a Special Envoy will mobilise support and resources for the ACT-Accelerator.
She is also expected to provide support for the leaders of the ACT-Accelerator’s three product pillars, (vaccines, tests, treatments) and cross-cutting ‘connector’; consult widely on the work of the ACT-Accelerator; advise the Director-General, ACT-Accelerator principals and stakeholders on emerging issues; and represent the ACT-Accelerator in key national and international fora.
According to the statement, Alakija was appointed because of her tremendous track record in advocating for equitable access to vaccines, tests and treatments in Africa.
Following her appointment, Alakija will join former Prime Minister of Sweden, Carl Bildt, another special envoy for the ACT-Accelerator.
The statement partly reads, “Dr Alakija will also support the leaders of the ACT-Accelerator’s three product pillars (vaccines, tests, treatments) and cross cutting ‘connector’; consult widely on the work of the ACT-Accelerator; advise the Director-General, ACT-Accelerator principals and stakeholders on emerging issues; and represent the ACT-Accelerator in key national and international fora,” the WHO said in a statement.
“She joins us at a critical juncture in the fight against COVID-19, with the Omicron variant threatening to further constrain equitable access to vaccines, just as the pace of supply was improving. We are very much looking forward to working with her to advocate for the full financing of the ACT Accelerator, and to meeting the global targets for COVID-19 vaccination, testing and treatment.
Alakija, a medical doctor, holds a Master’s degree from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in Public Health and Epidemiology. She was formerly a Chief Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria.
Alakija has been a leading voice in calling for the world to respond more conscienciously to the COVID-19 pandemic.
