Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje is a distinguished Nigerian development expert, health economist, evaluator, and civil society leader whose work bridges health, environment, and sustainable development. As CEO and Programme Director of Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), he champions community-centered initiatives that advance universal health coverage (UHC), Primary Health Care (PHC), Maternal and Newborn Child Health (MNBCH), climate action, gender equity, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also serves as President of the Society for Conservation and Sustainability of Energy and Environment in Nigeria (SOCSEEN) and Chairperson of the Global Civil Society Consortium on Climate Change (GCSCCC), where he drives advocacy for climate justice and accountable governance.
Dr. Adirieje’s expertise spans policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and civil society mobilization, with decades of experience working with governments, UN agencies, and grassroots organizations. A Certified Management Consultant, he contributed significantly to Nigeria’s national M&E policy and SDG implementation framework and evaluation. Passionate about research, knowledge sharing and leadership development, he promotes African-led solutions to global health,menergy transition, and social inclusion challenges. Widely respected as a voice for transformative development and community empowerment, Dr. Adirieje — known traditionally as Ugwumba I of Amaruru clan — embodies the synergy between evidence-based policy, cultural values, and people-centered progress.
CHIFA profile:
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje is a leading voice in health education, community health, and advocacy, with decades of experience advancing people-centered development across Africa and beyond. His approach to health education emphasizes participatory learning, knowledge transfer, and behavior change communication, ensuring that individuals and communities gain the skills and awareness to make informed decisions about their health. He develops and delivers innovative health promotion strategies tailored to local realities, particularly in resource-limited settings. In community health, Dr. Adirieje has championed integrated primary health care, preventive medicine, and grassroots health initiatives. Through Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), which he leads, he connects civil society, community groups, and health institutions to strengthen healthcare delivery, tackle health inequities, and improve access to essential services for vulnerable populations. His work addresses infectious diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition, climate and health, environmental health, and emerging public health challenges. As a passionate advocate, Dr. Adirieje works with governments, NGOs, and international organizations to influence health policy, mobilize resources, and promote sustainable development goals (SDGs). He amplifies community voices, ensuring that health systems are inclusive, accountable, and responsive. His advocacy extends beyond health to governance, environment, and social justice, positioning him as a multidisciplinary leader shaping healthier and more equitable societies. afrepton AT gmail.com