The Nigerian federal government has appointed Dr. Ayoade Alakija, a renowned global health advocate and current chair oFGf the board of FIND, as its Ministerial Global Envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate announced the appointment on Tuesday in Abuja, stating that it aims to bolster global and national efforts to combat AMR.
This appointment comes as Nigeria prepares to host the Fifth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR in Abuja in June 2026, marking the first time this significant conference will be held in Africa.
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Minister Pate further revealed that Dr. Alakija will also continue in her role as the World Health Organization (WHO) Special Envoy for the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-Accelerator).
He emphasized that she will play a crucial role in advocating for the One Health approach, promoting equitable access to diagnostics, and ensuring the 2026 conference yields impactful and inclusive outcomes.
Pate praised Dr. Alakija’s proven global leadership in advocating for access to diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines for those most in need.
He highlighted her expert insights in pandemic preparedness, diagnostics, and health equity as valuable assets for both Nigeria and the global AMR agenda.
As Ministerial Global Envoy, Dr. Alakija will serve on the ministerial advisory committee for the 2026 conference, supporting high-level advocacy, resource mobilization, and policy framing.
Her extensive experience includes chairing the African Union Vaccine Delivery Alliance (AVDA), co-chairing the G7 Impact Investment Initiative on Global Health, and her leadership at FIND, a global non-profit dedicated to advancing diagnostics.
Minister Pate expressed confidence that with leaders like Dr. Alakija guiding these efforts, Nigeria is well-positioned to make the 2026 conference a turning point in the global fight against AMR.
In response, Dr. Alakija stated that AMR is more than just a health threat. She expressed her honor to support Nigeria in hosting this historic conference and to elevate African leadership in shaping the global AMR response.
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