Dr. Banda Khalifa, a global health expert and current doctoral researcher at Johns Hopkins University, has been appointed the youngest and only Ghanaian member of the World Health Organization's newly established Emergency Preparedness and Response Technical Advisory Group (EPR-TAG) for the African region.

The Emergency Preparedness and Response Technical Advisory Group (EPR-TAG) is an independent body that will serve as the principal advisory group to World Health Organization for strategic guidance on all matters pertaining to public health emergency preparedness and response across the African Region.

Th Technical Advisory Group comprises 15 world experts tasked with enhancing health security, especially in Africa.

This appointment marks a significant moment in Dr. Khalifa's career, highlighting his extensive expertise in public health policy, vaccine strategy, and epidemiology.

Dr. Khalifa's inclusion in this elite group is evidence of his unwavering commitment to global health.

"I am deeply honored and excited to contribute to such a critical initiative. This role provides an unparalleled opportunity to influence public health outcomes positively, not just in Ghana but across the entire African continent," Dr. Khalifa told GhanaWeb.

Dr. Khalifa joins other esteemed professionals in the group, including Dr. Ebere Okereke from Nigeria, Professor Helen Rees from South Africa, Professor Rebecca Martin, and Dr. Rick Bright.

Together, they aim to guide the continent toward enhanced preparedness against public health emergencies.

"I look forward to collaborating with other experts to advance our collective goals," Dr. Khalifa added.

This role is both a professional milestone for Dr. Khalifa and a personal commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of millions.

With this new position, he looks forward to contributing to and learning from this extraordinary group under the guidance of the regional director of WHO/AFRO.

Dr Khalifa’s WHO appointment comes after he recently joined the Africa CDC’s editorial board as a section editor and Managing Director for a new Non-profit, Center for Advancing Health Systems Innovations.

Dr. Khalifa's journey to this prestigious appointment inspires aspiring public health professionals worldwide, demonstrating the impact of dedication and expertise in global health.

AE