UNIZIK Academic Serves as Invited Expert at First In-Person WHO Regional Advisory Meeting

Dr. Ogechukwu Benedicta Aribodor of the Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has served as an invited expert at the first in-person World Health Organization (WHO) African Region Regional Expert Advisory Group meeting on Urogenital Schistosomiasis, held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, from 17–18 February 2026.
Dr. Aribodor was the only participant from Nigeria at the high-level regional meeting, which brought together leading experts to develop strategic guidance aimed at strengthening the detection, reporting, and integration of urogenital schistosomiasis into sexual and reproductive health services, as well as broader public health programmes across Africa.
Urogenital schistosomiasis remains one of the most neglected tropical diseases on the continent and disproportionately affects women and girls. The outcomes of the meeting are expected to enhance prevention, diagnosis, surveillance, and control efforts in endemic countries across the African region.
Her selection to serve in this important advisory capacity underscores the growing leadership, relevance, and global visibility of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in health research and policy development, particularly in the area of neglected tropical diseases.
This achievement also aligns with the strategic vision of the current administration under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, whose commitment to academic excellence, research advancement, and international collaboration continues to position the University prominently on the global stage.