Obinna Onyekwena MD, MPH in

Obinna Onyekwena MD, MPH

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Deputy Director, Infectious Diseases Advocacy at Gates Foundation
📍 Kirkland, Washington, United States

Dr. Obinna Onyekwena is the Deputy Director of Infectious Diseases Advocacy at the Gates Foundation, where he leads global strategies for malaria, TB, and HIV. An alumnus of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, colleagues describe him as experienced, intelligent, and a conscientious manager.

He also holds the esteemed traditional role of Enebu (Village Chief) in his community in Ufuma, Nigeria. In this capacity, he is dedicated to preserving local culture, resolving disputes, and bridging traditional leadership with modern, community-driven development efforts to create lasting change.

He uniquely combines his career as a global health leader with his responsibilities as a traditional Nigerian village chief.

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Experience
14 Years
Current Role
Deputy Director, Infectious Diseases Advocacy
Job Level
Mid-senior
Location
Kirkland, Washington, United States
Personality Overview

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Priorities

Topics Obinna cares about

Global Health Advocacy
Leads the global advocacy strategy for infectious diseases at the Gates Foundation, focusing on malaria, TB, and HIV, drawing from extensive prior experience at The Global Fund.
Traditional Leadership
Serves as the Enebu (Village Chief) of his community in Nigeria, where he is responsible for preserving culture, resolving disputes, and representing his people.
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Career

Work history

3-2023
Deputy Director, Infectious Diseases Advocacy
Gates Foundation
12-2024
Village Chief: Enebu of Umuenebu and Ozegu, Ufuma
Umuenebu and Ozegu Village, Ufuma, Anambra State
2-2014 - 2-2023
Disease Advisor, HIV
The Global Fund
1-2013 - 2-2014
Public Health Specialist, Office of the Inspector General
The Global Fund
2-2011 - 12-2012
Public Health Expert
The Global Fund
In the press

Media appearances

Obinna Onyekwena - Gates Foundation. Featured in Gates Foundation
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Nigeria's Obinna Onyekwena appointed director in Gates Foundation. Featured in Punch Nigeria
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Education
2005 - 2006
Master of Science
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, U. of London
2005 - 2006
Postgraduate Diploma
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, U. of London
Social presence
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Behavioral profile

DISC profile (public)

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