Dr. Adaeze Oreh is a family physician, public health professional, and Professor of Medicine currently presenting doctoral research in Global Health at the University of Groningen. She recently completed a two-year tenure as Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, Nigeria, where she led the state’s health sector reform agenda for a population of nearly 10 million people.
As Commissioner, she conceptualized and implemented the #Health4AllRivers strategy and oversaw a complex health system comprising primary, secondary, and tertiary facilities as well as health training institutions. Her leadership focused on addressing key health challenges including maternal and child mortality, low life expectancy, and health system strengthening.
Dr. Adaeze has also worked within Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health, with experience in blood safety systems, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis prevention, and strengthening rural health services, particularly in sexual and reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health. She has led innovative approaches to ensure safe blood availability in conflict-affected regions through multi-sectoral collaboration.
She is a Senior Fellow of the Aspen Institute Global Innovators Group, an Amujae Leader at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development, and a recipient of the 2021 Montegut Global Scholar Award.
