Erick Okek
Ugandan Ministry of Health as National Coordinator
Biography
Erick Okek (33 years) is a Ugandan scientist, program manager, politician and sports philanthropist, currently working at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and Ugandan Ministry of Health as National Coordinator for COVID19 and Arbovirology testing . He is Well trained and highly skilled scientist with Masters of Science degree in immunology and clinical microbiology (MICM) , adequately equipped with program management skills, coordination and leadership. Master’s degree was attained from Makerere University- college of health sciences (first class); currently Okek is pursuing a PhD in the same discipline and the same University, but with bias towards molecular immunology of plasmodium and malaria infections. Okek Erick has over ten years of intensive work experience in both research and clinical settings and has won several awards and accolades.
Away from academia and research, Okek stood for the Kwania county member of parliament in the 2021 Ugandan general election and narrowly lost to the incumbent member of parliament. He is also president of a local football club called Lira City Council Football club, currently playing in the 3rd division tier of Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA). He also doubles as Executive Director for Collaboration for Lango Development Association (COLADA); a Community based Organization with plethora of activities. Because of his love for humanity, Erick Okek Constructed and set up St.Getrude Community Health Center in the most remote and under priviledged settings in Northern Uganda (Apyelamot Village, Kwania district). This facility has been in existence for less than a year, but has saved over 500 lives, especially from malaria. His vision is to turn this place into center of excellence for management and Research of infectious diseases in Northern Uganda. Conclusively, Okek is a proud father of three girls and one boy.