A Visionary Leader in Immunization Advocacy
The Boost Community highlights the stories of members committed to immunization work at the national and sub-national levels. The Boost Member Spotlight Series will regularly feature active Boost members who are engaged in relevant and innovative immunization activities in their contexts. If you have a story to share, please contact us at info@boostcommunity.org.
Dr. Adaora Isabella Odis is a dedicated advocate for immunization, driven by her personal experiences and a deep-seated commitment to ensuring no child is left behind. Currently affiliated with Norisbel Mega Corporate Limited in Lagos, Nigeria, Dr. Odis has been actively involved in immunization work for several years, leveraging her expertise to address critical challenges in the field.
Her journey into immunization work began with childhood memories of her mother, Bibiana Anyichie, who diligently ensured that Dr. Odis and her siblings received all required vaccines as children and young adults. This early influence planted the seeds of the importance of vaccines and health check-ups. Dr. Odis’ own journey as a mother not only further solidified her dedication to immunization but also made her become aware of the challenges. Despite the logistical hurdles, including cross-border travel to access vaccination services for her first child, and increased vaccine prices by the time her third child needed vaccination, she remained unwavering in her commitment to safeguarding her children’s health.
In 2018, after dedicated work in monitoring and evaluation, fueled by her passion, Dr. Odis embarked on a scholarly pursuit, focusing her research on the intricate dynamics of epidemics and vaccinations. Although she faced setbacks, including the denial of a Ph.D. scholarship, her determination led her to independently delve into this crucial area, culminating in a compelling Ph.D. thesis in exploring the vaccination landscape in Lagos, Nigeria.
Dr. Odis’ contributions extend beyond academia. Recognizing the escalating costs of vaccines, she conducted a comprehensive analysis of vaccine pricing, shedding light on affordability challenges. Moreover, she developed a proposal to engage private schools in catch-up vaccination, which earned recognition and support, marking a significant milestone in her mission to bridge immunization gaps.
In collaboration with colleagues, Dr. Odis spearheaded groundbreaking research on Malaria Vaccine Uptake in Nigeria, highlighting potential barriers and paving the way for informed interventions. Her dedicated efforts have earned her accolades, including publications in prestigious journals and presentations at esteemed conferences.
As an independent researcher, Dr. Odis’s role transcends academic pursuits. She actively seeks funding opportunities to conduct implementation research aimed at addressing immunization hesitancy and enhancing vaccine uptake. Her proudest accomplishment lies in the tangible impact of her work, reflected in the smiles of parents who can now afford vital vaccines for their children, thanks to her advocacy efforts and strategic partnerships with organizations like the Sabin Vaccine Institute and opportunities available as a member of the Boost Community.
Dr. Odis acknowledges the indispensable role of trainings and courses such as the 2022 COVID-19 Recovery for Routine Immunization Programs Fellowship and more recently the 2023 Boosting Leadership to Advance Life Course Immunization in bolstering her efforts. From her perspective, support from the Boost Community and funding from entities such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, are imperative in advancing immunization research and implementation.
With a distinguished career spanning years of impactful research and advocacy, Dr. Odis embodies the quintessential immunization manager, equipped with a versatile skill set and a steadfast commitment to effecting positive change. From Dr. Odis’ perspective, the most valuable skills for an immunization manager encompass a multifaceted approach, including passion for driving transformational change, adept problem-solving abilities, ability to set priorities, sound decision-making, meticulous planning, and nimble management of human, financial, and material resources. Furthermore, being able to effectively monitor and evaluate initiatives is deemed crucial in ensuring the success and sustainability of immunization programs.
Looking ahead, Dr. Odis’ career aspirations extend beyond immunization, as she hopes to explore the intersection of public health and climate change. With ambitions set on collaborating with esteemed research institutions, Dr. Odis aims to highlight the profound impacts of climate change on public health outcomes and immunization uptake, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of this pressing global challenge.
Dr. Odis’ journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and collaboration in advancing global health initiatives. Through her unwavering dedication, she continues to champion immunization, leaving a lasting mark on the lives of countless children and families.
Dr. Adaora Odis
Dr. Adaora Odis, PhD, is an Independent Researcher, Director, Data Scientist, and Monitoring & Evaluation Public Health Strategist. Her scholarly pursuits, including a Ph.D. thesis exploring vaccination dynamics, coupled with groundbreaking research on malaria vaccine uptake, have earned her recognition and accolades. She currently works with the Norisbel Mega Corporate Limited in Lagos, Nigeria, on vaccination advocacy, infodemic management, and health program management.