The United Nations Foundation on Wednesday announced that Dr. Ahmed Ogwell Ouma has been selected to serve as its next Vice President of Global Health Strategy.
Dr.Ogwell is expected to spearhead one of the UN Foundation’s largest portfolios spanning global health policy, advocacy, convening, and grantmaking, in support of the United Nations and its health-related causes.
While confirming the appointment, Dr. Ogwell stated, “I look forward to joining the Foundation at this pivotal moment for global health, as we work toward a future where everyone can realize their right to good health and well-being.”
“The UN Foundation has long been a catalytic player in the global health community, spearheading innovative new platforms and partnerships to advance international cooperation on health, added Dr. Ogwell.
Additionally, the UN Foundation noted that Dr. Ogwell’s expertise spanned 28 years including his pivotal role in spearheading the CDC’s establishment in 2016.
He was further praised for managing the CDC’s fight against Covid-19 in Africa seeing that he was at the helm of the organisation during the period.
A few weeks ago, Dr Ogwell resigned from the Africa Center for Disease and Control (CDC) where had served a long tenure as the Acting Deputy Director.
His exit had been announced in an internal memo by the Africa CDC’s Director, Doctor Jean Kaseya who had stated that Ogwell would make his exit at the end of March.
Dr. Ogwell was however locked out of applying for the position of Deputy Director which he had held in acting capacity since the age limit for the job was 55 years old, which he had exceeded.
Further one of the qualifications for the application of the job was for one to be a citizen of an underrepresented country in the CDC where Kenya is already well-represented.
However, his appointment to the UN Foundation which was established more than 25 years ago has been received with celebration by the Kenyan community.
