Chikwe Ihekweazu
@Chikwe_I
Executive Director, WHO Health Emergencies Programme. Opinions mine
The story of a nascent organisation @NCDCgov that found itself at the heart of an unprecedented pandemic It is also a story about the dedicated #Nigerians that I met in public service Plus the impact it had on us, & everyone around us with @VIhekweazu A book we had to write
“This book provides a compelling narrative of Nigeria’s COVID-19 response, as told through Chikwe’s unique lens as DG of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. I commend this book for its exploration of Nigeria’s resilient response — a true testament to collaborative efforts,…
As I move on from leading @WHOAFRO, this is an op-ed on a cause I deeply believe in: polio eradication Africa’s surveillance labs are the silent engine behind this fight - and they can do a lot more Let’s keep investing to #EndPolio Read via @SciDevNet: scidev.net/global/opinion…
Must push harder on #Polio. My wish for the @WHOAFRO region.
National #polio labs will help Africa in its final push towards eradicating the disease, writes @Chikwe_I, outgoing acting director for @WHOAFRO. scidev.net/global/opinion…
A @WHO staff member in #Gaza remains in detention by the Israeli military.: bit.ly/4mblmrU WHO demands the immediate release of our colleague. We call for the protection of all humanitarians. A ceasefire in Gaza is overdue!
Congratulations, Dr @drmarystephen, @WHO's representative in #Eritrea. I know you will work hard everyday for the people we serve. Bon courage!
Dr Mary Stephen has officially assumed duties as @WHO Representative to Eritrea🇪🇷 after presenting her credentials to H.E. Osman Saleh Mohammed, Minister of Foreign Affairs. WHO remains committed to supporting health priorities in Eritrea & advancing #HealthForAll across Africa.
Our staff in #Gaza were searched and detained. Their housing attacked. Our warehouse destroyed. We cannot support the health system under these conditions. Health and those who deliver it must be protected.
.@WHO’s staff residence in Deir al Balah, #Gaza, was attacked three times today as well as its main warehouse. Israeli military entered the premises, forcing women and children to evacuate on foot toward Al-Mawasi amid active conflict. Male staff and family members were…
At #IAS2025, at a🇷🇼 Marburg (MVD) outbreak symposium with Min. @nsanzimanasabin, @WHORwanda Rep Dr @BrianChirombo presented how @WHO helped coordinate partners to contribute to a timely model response, delivering the lowest #CFR of MVD outbreak @ 22.7%. 👉shorturl.at/6IUZ4
Please do join us for the next @WHO #EPIWIN webinar on ” #Plague in the 21st century: new #evidence to control a #reemerging #zoonotic disease,” Wednesday 23 July 2025, 13.00 - 14.00 CEST. • Title: Plague in the 21st century: new evidence to control a re-emerging zoonotic…
No words.
WFP Statement | #Gaza On the morning of 20 July, a 25 truck WFP convoy carrying vital food assistance crossed the Zikim border point destined for starving communities in northern Gaza. Shortly after passing the final checkpoint beyond the Zikim crossing point into Gaza, the…
Health care under fire As of 8 July, over 1600 attacks on health care have been verified in the occupied Palestinian territory. That is roughly 2 attacks on health per day since October 2023.
Privileged to have lived in Madiba’s time, to have lived in his country, and to have had a small glimpse into what leadership truly means and requires.
“Health cannot be a question of income; it is a fundamental human right”— Madiba Yet more than half the world’s people, in countries both rich and poor, cannot access the health services they need. We must ensure health is a right for all, not a luxury for some. #MandelaDay
Member States - State Parties to the International Health Regulations (2005) - have the right to decide whether or not to adopt and, subsequently, implement amendments to the IHR. We regret the US decision to reject the amendments adopted by consensus by the World Health Assembly…
The proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations open the door to the kind of narrative management, propaganda, and censorship that we saw during the COVID pandemic. The United States can cooperate with other nations without jeopardizing our civil liberties,…
During my recent visit to Peshawar, Pakistan, I met with incredible women health workers leading efforts to end polio in their communities. Recognizing and supporting both women and men frontline health workers must be at the heart of our strategy – not just as a box to tick, but…
A historic win for the youngest lives! The @endmalaria applauds the first ever malaria medicine approved for newborns & infants (from 2kg to under 5kg). This is what #ZeroMalaria looks like congrats to all partners! 👏 #EndMalaria
“I feel a sense of gratitude for the President’s trust and support (during the pandemic). We were left to focus on what was most important: protecting the health of the Nigerian people.” Page 116 of An Imperfect Storm Rest in peace, President @MBuhari
Honoured to represent @WHO at the Ukraine Recovery Conference #URC2025 Reaffirming WHO’s commitment to support Ukraine’s health workers & the health system’s recovery from protecting healthcare to building long-term resilience.
Too little food. Too little fuel. Too few medicines. This is killing the children and people of #Gaza. Let aid in through all possible routes. Ceasefire!
At the #BRICS2025 session on environment, #COP30 and Global Health, my three points to the leaders: 1. Health is the strongest argument for climate action. Healthy people can’t exist on a sick planet. 2. We have the tools to do something about it. 3. But we need new…
The UN emblem is a symbol of hope, peace and unity around the world. As the UN turns 80, we remain committed to advancing peace, dignity and equality for all on a healthy planet. un.org/en/UN80 #UN80
This has to rank very high on the list of moderns texts on our trade. Thanks to @profdalefisher and all the excellent colleagues that worked for years on this. Much respect! Recommended. COI: I played a small role.
Congratulations, Dr. @soce_fall, as you take over the leadership of @PasteurDakar!
Dr. @soce_fall officially takes office as CEO of @PasteurDakar this July 1st! A new chapter begins under his leadership, at a pivotal time for research, diagnostics & vaccine production in Africa. 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥! #Leadership #HealthInAfrica