Disheartening information has hit news frontiers that not less than 2 million deaths have occurred due to COVID-19 globally.

And in Africa, the numbers keep burgeoning from the last record in May of 254,032 deaths.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt operational normalcy across the world, Dr. Chinedu Agbakwuru, Regional Technical Advisor at the Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation, Zambia and Botswana, has spearheaded the execution of research surveys in both Zambia and Botswana with remarkable success.

Despite the constraints of the pandemic, he achieved a 92% household response rate, with overall survey responses of 68% in Zambia and 64% in Botswana.

“Conducting surveys during a pandemic was no small feat,” Dr. Agbakwuru reflected. “Our success lay in our ability to adapt quickly, engage stakeholders effectively, and prioritize the safety of both our teams and the communities we served.”

To enhance effective COVID-19 monitoring, Dr. Agbakwuru conceptualized the development and deployment of a comprehensive COVID-19 screening app, PHIA Companion.

The app was equipped with geolocation services to track nearby testing centers, a symptom checker, and real-time data assessment tools.

It played a pivotal role in the daily health screening of data collection teams, ensuring the safety of all personnel involved and significantly mitigating the risk of virus transmission.

“Technology became a lifeline during the pandemic,” he explained. “The screening app not only protected our teams but also reinforced the public’s confidence in the safety of our operations.”

Dr. Agbakwuru’s leadership extended beyond technical innovation. He successfully constituted and managed research teams in both Zambia and Botswana, fostering a culture of collaboration and commitment.

Additionally, he worked strategically to gain the buy-in of stakeholders in both countries, ensuring full support for the surveys and their objectives.

“Stakeholder engagement is critical in public health research,” he emphasized. “By building trust and demonstrating the value of our work, we were able to secure the support needed to move forward, even in the face of a global crisis.”

In addition to his work in Zambia and Botswana, Dr. Agbakwuru played a pivotal role in Zambia by completing the handover and disposition of assets to the government.

This move bolstered the country’s ownership of disease surveillance activities, enhancing its capacity to address public health challenges independently.

“True progress in global health comes when countries take ownership of their systems and strategies,” Dr. Agbakwuru stated.

“Our work in Zambia was about empowering local leaders and institutions to sustain the fight against diseases long after our programs ended.”

Though the world continues to grapple with the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Agbakwuru’s work serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when resilience and innovation converge.