The Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) has officially appointed Dr Fatelyn Irenosen Okakah as the new director of the Centre for Geriatric Care. The appointment took effect on April 27, 2026. The hospital management described this appointment as a mark of honour, acknowledging Dr Okakah's outstanding leadership and her lifelong commitment to medical excellence.
New Responsibilities
In her new capacity, Dr Okakah will oversee the day-to-day administration of the centre. She will report directly to the Chief Medical Director. This appointment arrives at a crucial moment as ISTH continues to strengthen its position as a Centre for Excellence for the management and control of infectious diseases.
Professional Background
Dr Okakah is a Consultant Community Physician and a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians. She brings extensive specialized experience to the centre. She previously served as the Head of the Department of Community Health at ISTH. Her fellowship dissertation focused on the prevalence and predictors of elder abuse in Edo State, demonstrating her dedication to the elderly.
“I am committed to the full participation of the elderly subpopulation in clinical trials on Lassa fever and other similar infectious diseases,” Dr Okakah stated in a recent professional briefing. “I aspire to raise the next generation of doctors and researchers specialised in the care of the elderly and other vulnerable persons.”
Additional Recognition
The appointment coincides with another significant milestone in Dr Okakah's career. The Institute of Policy Management Development (IPMD) has officially conferred a Fellowship upon her. This honour was awarded in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the educational sector and renowned academic excellence.
Academic and Research Contributions
Dr Okakah's career has been shaped by academic rigour and real-world leadership. She is the immediate past Head of the Department of Community Health at Ambrose Alli University (AAU). She has also been a critical figure in the CEPI ENABLE Lassa Fever Epidemiological Studies. Her work bridges the gap between indigenous knowledge and social medicine, with numerous publications exploring how cultural proverbs, music therapy, and religious taboos intersect with public health.
Future Impact
As she steps into her role as the new Coordinator of Geriatric Care at ISTH, Dr Okakah is set to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure for Nigeria's ageing population. She aims to ensure that geriatric medicine moves from the sidelines to the forefront of clinical priority. Her leadership is expected to enhance the centre's focus on elderly care and infectious disease management.
