By Christine Ochogo | christawine@yahoo.com
A Kenyan, Dr. Borna Nyaoke-Anoke is the winner of the “Healthcare Researcher of the Year 2024” award.
Dr. Borna who is a clinical researcher and public health specialist, is the Head of the Global Mycetoma Disease Program at Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi).
The award was given at the African Health Excellence Awards in Johannesburg, South Africa on 30th November 2024 in recognition of her outstanding contributions to healthcare research across multiple infectious diseases.
Her work on neglected tropical diseases, particularly her managing clinical trials and epidemiology studies together with advocacy for mycetoma across Africa and Asia, has been transformative, raising awareness and driving critical research efforts to combat this under recognised disease.
Additionally, Dr. Borna played a pivotal role in managing COVID-19 clinical trials across Kenya and Sudan, helping to ensure that treatments were tested effectively within African populations.
Her previous work on HIV and Ebola vaccines has also contributed to the development of critical interventions for these devastating diseases. Through her research and advocacy, Dr. Borna has made an indelible impact on improving public health in Africa, earning this well-deserved recognition.
Dr Borna Nyaoke-Anoke, holds an MBChB degree from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Liverpool, U.K. Additionally, she has specialized training in the design and conduct of clinical trials through the Global Clinical Scholars Research Training (GCSRT) Program at Harvard Medical School, U.S.A.
