President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Temitope Ilori as the new Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), making her the first woman to hold this prestigious position. This landmark announcement, made on February 22, 2024, signifies a significant shift in Nigeria's healthcare leadership landscape.
Dr. Ilori's journey to this pivotal role is marked by a trail of remarkable achievements and scholarly pursuits. Before her appointment, she served as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Community Medicine at the esteemed University of Ibadan, coupled with her role as a Consultant Family Physician at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Her academic credentials speak volumes, having earned her MBBS degree from the University of Ibadan and achieving the distinction of being the best graduating Fellow of the Faculty of Family Medicine, West African College of Physicians.
Beyond her medical qualifications, Dr. Ilori boasts an impressive academic repertoire, holding Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Ibadan. Undeterred by her already illustrious career, she currently pursuing her PhD at the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa.
Dr. Ilori's expertise spans across various domains, from Primary Care and Public Health Nutrition to Non-Communicable Diseases and Women's and Child's Health. Her dedication to research is evident in her extensive contributions to the scientific community, with over 30 publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Moreover, Dr. Ilori's experience in policy formulation and strategic development is unparalleled. Her tenure as the Commissioner for Health in Osun State, Nigeria, from 2011 to 2014, and her leadership roles in combating HIV/AIDS and spearheading immunization efforts have solidified her reputation as a visionary leader in public health.
With Dr. Ilori at the helm of NACA, there is a palpable sense of anticipation for renewed vigor and strategic direction in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. Her appointment heralds a new era of innovation and inclusivity in healthcare governance, promising to uplift communities nationwide and mitigate the impact of this formidable disease.
As Dr. Ilori assumes her role as the Director-General of NACA, her leadership is poised to leave an indelible mark on Nigeria's healthcare landscape, empowering women in leadership and driving transformative change in the nation's approach to combating HIV/AIDS.
