Press Release: VODAN Africa Inaugurates Board

Contact: Obinna  Osigwe

Phone: +256752571889, +2347061195107

Email: obinna.osigwe@vodan-totafrica.info                                                    

Press Release: VODAN Africa Inaugurates Board

On October 30th, 2020, VODAN Africa officially inaugurated her board for the successful completion of the set milestones during second phase of the VODAN Africa Project. The milestones are focused around data production, data convergence, data interoperability and the deployment of FAIR Data Points in real life situations.  

 The VODAN Africa Board is chaired by the Chairman VODAN Africa Implementation Network and the Vice Chancellor, Kampala International University, Dr. Mouhammad Mpezamihigo; while Prof. Francisca Oladipo serves on the Board as the Secretary and Overall Co-oordinator. Other members of the Board include: 

•  Dr. Araya Abrha Medhanyie (Ethiopia) 
• Dr. Sakinat Folorunsho (Nigeria) 
• Dr. Reginald Nalugala (Kenya) 
• Dr. Mariem Ghardallou (Tunisia) 
• Dr. Andrew Chindaya (Zimbabwe) 
• Prof. Mirjam Van Reisen will sit as an observer on the board. 

 The Board is tasked with the following responsibilities  

• Coordinate the phase 2 of the VODAN Africa project which includes more FAIR Data Points in the countries. 
• Publications- Special Issues.
• Expansion of the network to form new partnerships.
• Oversees the activities of the steering committee.

 In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board, Dr. Mouhammad Mpezamihigo said, "Today is a very historic moment. Each member of the Board is here on merit and is ready to add value when called upon" 

The Virus Outbreak Data Network is a collaboration between universities, health ministries and Data Science & Artificial Intelligence hubs in Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tunisia and Zimbabwe. Members of the Africa Implementation network include: Kampala International University, Leiden University and other universities, Addis Ababa University and Mekelle University in Ethiopia, Université de Sousse in Tunisia, Tangaza University in Kenya, Great Zimbabwe University in Zimbabwe and Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Olabisi Onabanjo University and Data Science in Nigeria.