Dr. Evangel Chinyere Anyanwu, an accomplished public health expert and informatics pioneer, has consistently demonstrated extraordinary ability and influence in the global health arena.
Her work stands as a testament to the profound impact that innovative research and strategic leadership can have on improving public health systems worldwide. From her groundbreaking usability testing projects in the United States to her leadership in healthcare accreditation processes in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Anyanwu’s career is characterized by her unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare quality and accessibility. Born and educated in Nigeria, Dr. Anyanwu’s journey into the field of public health began with her academic excellence and dedication to making a difference in her community.
She earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria, and later pursued a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) from Imo State University, Owerri. It was during her MPH program that Dr. Anyanwu conducted her seminal research on cervical cancer awareness among postmenopausal women in Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria.
This research not only highlighted critical gaps in awareness and preventive practices but also laid the foundation for public health initiatives aimed at reducing cervical cancer rates in the region. Dr. Anyanwu’s work in Nigeria was just the beginning of a career that would see her influence extend across continents.
Her transition to the global stage was marked by her postgraduate studies in Safety, Quality, Informatics, and Leadership (SQIL) at Harvard University. There, she focused on improving medication adherence among diabetic patients using patient activation processes within learning health systems.
This research was a significant contribution to the field, addressing one of the most persistent challenges in chronic disease management. By harnessing the power of informatics and patient-centered care models, Dr. Anyanwu’s work offered new strategies for enhancing patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.
In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Anyanwu’s professional experience further underscores her extraordinary contributions to public health. Serving as a Public Health Practitioner with the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health from 2015 to 2023, she played a pivotal role in improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
One of her notable achievements during this time was her involvement in the accreditation of two healthcare facilities by the Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI) in Saudi Arabia. Her leadership in these accreditation processes not only ensured that these facilities met stringent quality and safety standards but also significantly improved chronic disease outcomes by 40%, a remarkable feat in a region with diverse healthcare challenges. Dr. Anyanwu’s leadership was also critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a key medical practitioner in a COVID-19 isolation center, she was responsible for treating over a thousand patients without recording any mortality. Her ability to manage high-pressure situations with precision and care was instrumental in saving lives and preventing the further spread of the virus. This experience highlighted her resilience and adaptability, qualities that have defined her career and earned her a seat at the United Nations high-level meetings on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness & Responce (PPPR)during the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78). In 2023, Dr. Anyanwu joined the University of Nebraska at Omaha as a Research Assistant in the School of Information, Science, and Technology’s mRISE Laboratory.
Her work at mRISE involves preparing materials for Institutional Review Board (IRB) review and conducting software usability testing. These projects are crucial for ensuring that health informatics tools are effective, user-friendly, and capable of supporting high-quality healthcare delivery. Dr. Anyanwu’s expertise in this area has made her an invaluable asset to the laboratory, where she continues to drive research that bridges the gap between technology and healthcare. One of Dr. Anyanwu’s significant contributions to public health informatics is her ongoing project assessing the efficiency and user experience in the Institutional Review Board Application Systems of the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). Through comprehensive usability testing, she is developing strategies to enhance the system’s functionality, making it easier for researchers to navigate the IRB process and conduct their studies more effectively.
This project exemplifies Dr. Anyanwu’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure through innovative solutions, ensuring that research and clinical practices are supported by robust and efficient systems. Beyond her research and professional roles, Dr. Anyanwu is also a recognized leader in global health research. Her participation in high-profile conferences, such as the Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit in Riyadh and the Global Mobilizing Computable Biomedical Knowledge (MCBK) Meeting in the USA, Women in Computing: Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas underscores her status as a thought leader in the field.
These platforms have allowed her to share her insights on the application of AI in healthcare, particularly in the development of clinical decision support systems and the ethical considerations of AI in medical practice. Her contributions to these discussions are shaping the future of healthcare, where technology and human expertise converge to deliver better patient outcomes. Dr. Anyanwu’s leadership extends beyond her professional roles, as she is also deeply committed to community health initiatives.
As the President of the Ausvan Health International Foundation, she has spearheaded yearly free medical missions in Imo State, Nigeria, providing essential healthcare services to underserved populations. These missions have not only improved access to healthcare in remote areas but have also raised awareness about preventive health measures, contributing to better health outcomes in these communities. In recognition of her contributions, Dr. Anyanwu has received numerous accolades and is a member of several prestigious professional organizations, including the American Medical Informatics Association, Coalition for Health AI (CHAI), and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society.
Her membership in these organizations reflects her commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in health informatics and her dedication to continuous learning and professional development. Dr. Evangel Chinyere Anyanwu’s career is a remarkable example of how one individual can drive change and make a lasting impact on public health systems worldwide. Her innovative research, strategic leadership, and dedication to improving healthcare quality and accessibility have positioned her as a leading figure in public health informatics.
As she continues to contribute to global health initiatives and advance the field of health informatics, Dr. Anyanwu’s work will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of healthcare, making a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals around the world.