Dr Ebere Okereke has been awarded an honorary degree by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine for her outstanding contribution to public health.
Dr Okereke is a highly respected global health expert who has dedicated her career to strengthening health systems and supporting the development of women leaders in the field, latterly as CEO of African Public Health Foundation and previously in senior roles at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and Public Health England.
She received her honorary degree alongside LSTM’s graduating class of 2023 at a celebratory event in the historic St George’s Hall in Liverpool.
The ceremony marked a return to Liverpool for Dr Okereke, who studied for a postgraduate Diploma in Tropical Medicine at LSTM. Her subsequent career has focused on tackling communicable diseases and global public health, with a special focus on equity and supporting the diverse voices that can drive positive change.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Dr Okereke, said: “I humbly accept this honour in that knowledge, and with the confident expectation that through this recognition, LSTM will continue to give me a platform to challenge and seek change.
“To all of you who graduate today, I congratulate you. I urge you to never accept that you do not belong in any space but to ask yourselves how you can change the space so we all belong.
“I urge you to always look around in every space you occupy and ask who is not seen, which voices are not heard, and lead the charge to change that.
“I urge you to see being uncomfortable as a welcome reminder to step out, reflect and change your space. I hope that LSTM continues to offer you the space to grow well beyond this graduation day, just as it continues to do me.”
Attendees also heard from LSTM Director Professor David Lalloo, who congratulated graduates on their success in LSTM’s 125th anniversary year, wished them well in their future careers, and welcomed them to the global alumni community.