Inspired in Hull with Luis Sambo: Leading the Fight Against Ebola, West Africa 2014

As part of the University of Hull’s programme of events celebrating Black History Month, we are delighted to be welcoming Dr Luis Sambo (PhD Critical Systems Thinking, 2010). In a facilitated discussion with Professor Lesley Smith and members of the audience, Dr Sambo will share his “Inspired in Hull” story.

The 2014 outbreak of Ebola in West Africa was, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the largest most severe and most complex Ebola epidemic in history. WHO declared it an International Public Health Emergency, and did not lift this status until 2016. More than 28,000 people were infected, and over 11,000 people died. As the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Sambo was responsible for coordinating the international response to this crisis.

A medical doctor, specialising in public health, Dr Sambo held many different positions in the Angolan Health Service, starting as a District Medical Officer and working his way to Minister of Health. He worked for WHO firstly as a Regional Advisor, and in 2010 was unanimously re-elected for a second term as Regional Director for Africa. At the end of his mandate, the Executive Board of WHO adopted a resolution in which it recognised his lifelong devotion to the cause of international health, and expressed profound gratitude and appreciation for his invaluable contribution to the work of WHO.

We are delighted to be welcoming so distinguished a guest onto campus, and hope that you can join us for what promises to be an insightful and thoughtful exploration of the challenges of coordinating the organisation of a complex international response to a tragic, human catastrophe.