African of the Year Award : Cameroonian-born Dr John Nkemgasong Winner

The pioneer Director of the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr John Nkengasong, a Cameroonian, who is presently the United States’ Ambassador-at-Large, Coordinator of the United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally, has won the African of the year award. The Virologist was handed the distinction on June 23, 2023 in South Africa during the 11th edition of the All Africa Business Leaders Award. The award initiative, for the past ten years, serves as a platform of telling an African story of perseverance, success, innovation, and accountability on the continent. His distinction thus comes as a recognition to his contribution in HIV/AIDS research and infections control. With a public health experience of about three decades, the renowned medical practitioner was Acting Deputy Principal Director of the Centre for Global Health at the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Associate Director of Laboratory Science and Chief of the International Laboratory Branch at the Division of Global HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis. His rich public health experience has enabled him to occupy prestigious positions including being appointed as one of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General’s Special Envoys on Covid-19 Preparedness and Response. As a Virologist, he has served in several countries including Belgium, Côte d’Ivoire, United States, Ethiopia, Senegal and Cameroon, just to name a few. It is th...