François Anicet ONANA AKOA is a bilingual expert in public health and development with over 12 years of experience in designing, implementing, and coordinating large-scale programs funded by international donors in sub-Saharan Africa. Holding a PhD in Public Health with a specialization in Epidemiology, an MBA in Strategic Management, a Master’s degree in Public Health, a Master’s degree in Project and Program Monitoring and Evaluation, and a Master’s degree in Animal Biology with a specialization in Parasitology, he has led several multi-sectoral projects combining research, health systems strengthening, and digital innovation.

Currently the Country Project Coordinator at the Douala General Hospital in Cameroon for the Data Science Without Borders initiative, funded by the Wellcome Trust, he leads strategic planning, operational coordination, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen health systems in Cameroon. He previously held technical leadership positions within international organizations, where he managed complex programs in the areas of HIV, tuberculosis, epidemiological surveillance, and quality of care improvement.

Dr. Onana Akoa combines strong academic and operational expertise. A lecturer and researcher at several higher education institutions in Cameroon, he teaches courses in project management, epidemiology, health and development, epidemiological surveillance, and response. He is also an affiliated researcher at the International Center for Multidisciplinary Research (CIREP) and a candidate for the French Habilitation to Supervise Research (HDR).

His skills encompass operational research, epidemiological analysis, program evaluation, human and financial resource management, and multi-stakeholder coordination. He has published over a dozen scientific articles in international journals on topics ranging from HIV-TB co-infection to maternal and child health, nutrition, immunization, and emerging infectious diseases.

Committed to social equity and human dignity, he is particularly involved in initiatives focused on communities and vulnerable populations. Based in the Global South, he is recognized for his rigor, versatility, and ability to work effectively in multicultural and decentralized environments. Married and a father, Dr. Onana Akoa embodies a new generation of African professionals who combine scientific excellence, operational leadership, and social commitment.