Professor Rashid Ansumana, Njala University's Dean of the School of Community Health Sciences has been promoted to Full Professor of Tropical Health Sciences at Njala University, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished career. His appointment highlights the University’s commitment to academic excellence and strengthens its position as a leader in public health research.

The Professor ’s work in infectious disease surveillance, One Health research and global health security has had a profound impact. His research has shaped policies on Lassa fever, Ebola and antimicrobial resistance, influencing pandemic preparedness efforts worldwide.

Born in Koindu, Kailahun District, Dr. Rashid Ansumana’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Sierra Leone. He later obtained a Master’s from Njala University and a Ph.D. in Tropical Medicine from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. His career has been defined by his dedication to public health and disease control.

During the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, he played a key role in Sierra Leone’s response, enhancing diagnostics and surveillance. His expertise was again instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing critical guidance for research and policy decisions.

Beyond outbreak response, he was instrumental in setting up Sierra Leone’s first nationally representative Sample Registration System (SRS), which has provided six years of continuous mortality surveillance. This system has been essential for understanding causes of death and shaping public health policies.

His contributions extend beyond Sierra Leone. As Principal Investigator for the West African One Health Consortium, he has fostered collaboration across multiple countries, integrating human, animal and environmental health for more effective disease surveillance.

Professor Rashid Ansumana has also been a strong advocate for research capacity-building in Africa. He has supervised postgraduate and doctoral researchers, secured funding for laboratory expansion and strengthened scientific training at Njala University.

His career progression at Njala University reflects his growing impact, from Lecturer II in 2007 to Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor and now Full Professor. His appointment is a recognition of his outstanding contributions to research, teaching and service to the University.

As the world faces increasing public health challenges, Professor Rashid Ansumana’s promotion reinforces Njala University’s role in global health leadership. His work continues to bridge the gap between African public health realities and international policy efforts.

Njala University celebrates this achievement as a testament to its commitment to nurturing world-class researchers. Professor Ansumana’s promotion is not just a personal milestone but a step forward in advancing public health research and innovation in Africa.