Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey honoured with Doctor of Science Degree by UHAS for contributions to health and leadership

Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey is the acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI). He has received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS). This recognition honors his service to UHAS and leadership in global health.

The award was presented during the 9th President John Evans Atta Mills Leadership Lecture. Dr. Sodzi-Tettey delivered a lecture titled “Achieving Quality Health Systems in Ghana Amidst Global Disruptions.” Many praised his lecture as insightful and timely.

After receiving the honor, he expressed gratitude on Facebook. He thanked UHAS’s Council, Management, Faculty, Staff, Students, and Alumni Association for this “great honour.”

Dr. Sodzi-Tettey has been associated with UHAS since its founding. He was the youngest member of the Interim Council appointed by President John Evans Atta Mills. Later, President John Mahama appointed him to the first fully constituted Council.

He recalled that it was a time of sacrifice and learning. He also honored members of the pioneering Interim Council for their dedication to building Ghana’s leading health training institution. Since its establishment, UHAS has graduated nearly 11,000 students.

As a former Vice President of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr. Sodzi-Tettey noted how his experiences at UHAS helped him at NVI. The NVI focuses on vaccine research, development, and manufacturing in Ghana.

In a personal reflection, he shared that he initially declined to join UHAS's Council when asked by Dr. Christina Amoako-Nuama. He humorously quoted his children about self-reflection.

He thanked Presidents Mills and Mahama for giving him opportunities to serve Ghana. He described these moments as blessings guided by divine intervention.

This year marks a double celebration for Dr. Sodzi-Tettey; he became acting CEO of NVI in March 2023. The NVI was inaugurated in May 2023 with goals for vaccine research and manufacturing in Ghana.

As acting CEO, he will mobilize resources and secure financing for NVI's objectives. His responsibilities include developing partnerships and collaborating with regulatory bodies on manufacturing standards.

Dr. Sodzi-Tettey is a Public Health Physician with over 21 years of experience in healthcare leadership and global health initiatives. He has led quality improvement projects across more than 200 public hospitals in Ghana.

Before joining NVI, he served as Vice President of Global Delivery at IHI in Boston, USA. There he provided leadership for IHI’s work across Africa and the Middle East.

“This is an exciting opportunity,” said Dr. Sodzi-Tettey about local vaccine manufacturing efforts in Ghana. He expressed gratitude to President Mahama and Health Minister Honorable Akandoh for their support.

Dr. Sodzi-Tettey attended Achimota School before earning his medical degree from the University of Ghana Medical School. He later obtained a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Ghana School of Public Health as its top student.

He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School's Program for Leadership Development (equivalent to an Executive MBA). Additionally, he is:

- A Rockefeller Global Fellow for Social Innovation.
- A Fellow & Board Director at the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (Ireland).
- A former Vice President of the Ghana Medical Association.

His extensive experience positions him well to lead NVI toward achieving its mission effectively.