A Nigerian and U. S. patent holder, Dr. Kenny Acholonu, has commended Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, on his elevation as the Head of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI), noting that it brings “global technological visibility” to Nigeria.

Acholonu is the Chief Innovation Officer of Micronutrient Laboratories Limited, producing micronutrient powder for retail and industrial application.

Pate has been appointed Gavi’s next CEO, due to succeed Dr. Seth Berkley in August 2023.

Berkley is leaving after 12 years at the helm of the vaccine alliance.

Pate emerged as CEO following a rigorous two-year search involving 344 candidates.

Gavi said: “Dr. Pate was selected from a field of extremely talented and experienced fellow candidates. In the highly competitive process, candidates were tested on all aspects of the role.

“In unanimously recommending him to the Board, both the Search Committee and Governance Committee noted Dr. Pate’s achievements as Minister of State for Health in Nigeria in 2011–2013.

“During which time he led a flagship initiative to revive routine immunization and primary health care, chaired a presidential taskforce to eradicate polio and introduced new vaccines into the country.’’

Acholonu, in a congratulatory letter on Thursday, said: “The news of your elevation as the CEO of GAVI gives us much joy as well-deserved recognition.

“Your intellect, hard work, and focus on human capital development are highly desirable and exceptional.

“Undoubtedly, you have given Nigeria and Africa global health science visibility.

“We thank the good Lord for this elevation and pray that you will use your position to encourage all practitioners in the health ecosystem for an improved African human development index.

“Especially in the subsectors of preventive nutrition, indigenous manufacturing technologies, and other sustainable health initiatives. May your kind increase.”

Micronutrient Laboratories Limited manufactures and markets Cognito® micronutrient powder, a one-serve blend of essential nutrients and vitamins that states and individuals are deploying to fight micronutrient deficiency and malnutrition.