We speak with Emeka Iloegbu, a DrPH student and global health leader with over 15 years of experience in tackling infectious diseases and strengthening health systems. From his early days volunteering with the Red Cross in New York City to playing critical roles in pandemic responses for H1N1, Zika, Ebola, COVID-19, and monkeypox, Emeka has worked at the intersection of laboratory science, public health, and policy. As an assistant professor at CUNY and a United Nations representative, he is engaged in HIV research, antimicrobial resistance, and the integration of molecular diagnostics into public health strategies. He discusses his transition from analyzing cells under a microscope at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital to influencing policy decisions at the UN and Department of Health, emphasizing the importance of adaptive leadership, community-based surveillance, and strengthening global health infrastructure. We also dive into his research in implementation science, his role in advancing sickle cell disease interventions, and how he is using his vast experience to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world impact.

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