Dr. Sakoba Keita is an internationally renowned Guinean physician, known for his expertise in epidemiology and his crucial role in managing the unprecedented health crisis of the Ebola disease epidemic in Guinea between 2014 and 2016.
Native to Nzérékoré, trained at the University of Cuba, this brilliant health professional has climbed the ranks to occupy the highest positions in the Ministry of Health of Guinea and the National Health Safety Agency (ANSS) of which he was the Director General from 2016 to 2021. His exemplary management of the Ebola response, resource mobilization and awareness-raising efforts make him a discreet but essential hero in the fight against this historic health tragedy in Guinea.
Introduction
Dr. Sakoba Keita is an internationally renowned Guinean physician, known for his expertise in epidemiology and his central role in the fight against the Ebola virus disease epidemic that struck Guinea between 2014 and 2016. His remarkable career and unwavering dedication to the cause of public health make him an emblematic figure in his country and beyond its borders.
Childhood and Education
Born on 8 June 1954 in Nzérékoré, in the forest region of Guinea, Dr. Sakoba Keita completed his primary education in his hometown. In 1965, he left the south of the country to the capital, Conakry, where he completed his primary and secondary education. A brilliant student, he obtained his bachelor's degree in 1973 and received a graduate scholarship to continue his education at the University of Cuba.
Professional career
After seven years of intensive study in Cuba, Dr. Sakoba Keita returned to Guinea in August 1980, graduating in pocket. He then began his professional career as a physician in Siguiri Prefecture, before moving to the city of Kankan where he practiced for 14 years.
In 1994, he was promoted to the position of regional health inspector in the Mamou region, before occupying the same position in the Boké region. This field experience enables it to acquire a strong expertise in health system management and epidemic control.
Medical Career
In 2000, Dr. Sakoba Keita was appointed coordinator of the National Leprosy Programme, a mission he pursues with rigour and determination. Eight years later, in 2008, he was appointed Head of the Disease Prevention and Control Division at the Ministry of Health of Guinea.
It is in this capacity that it is at the forefront of the Ebola epidemic that hit Guinea in 2014. Through his expertise in epidemiology and effective health crisis management, he is making a decisive contribution to curbing the spread of the deadly virus.
Fight against Ebola
Dr. Sakoba Keita’s career’s highlight remains undoubtedly his exemplary management of the Ebola epidemic in Guinea between 2014 and 2016. As a national response coordinator, it is making considerable efforts to curb the spread of the virus, raise public awareness and mobilize the necessary resources.
His expertise and leadership are also sought beyond the borders of Guinea, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he provides support in the fight against Ebola.
Director General of the ANSS
In recognition of his remarkable efforts in the fight against Ebola, Dr. Sakoba Keita was appointed in 2016 as Director General of the National Health Safety Agency (NSA), a key body in the implementation of public health policies in Guinea. He will hold this post until 5 December 2021.
Works
In 2021, Dr. Sakoba Keita published a book entitled "My fight against Ebola in the Republic of Guinea" at Harmattan Guinea. In this touching testimony, he shares his first-hand experience in managing this unprecedented health crisis, sharing the challenges encountered, lessons learned and actions taken to curb the epidemic.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Sakoba Keita's outstanding career has earned him many awards, testifying to the recognition of his peers and the international community. In 1980, he was named Best Foreign Student of the University of Cuba, an honorary distinction highlighting his academic excellence.
Beyond official awards, Dr. Sakoba Keita has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow citizens for his unwavering dedication to the cause of public health, during the Ebola crisis when he played a crucial role in mobilizing efforts to combat the epidemic.
Conclusion
Dr. Sakoba Keita’s life and career illustrate in a remarkable way the power of perseverance, expertise and commitment to the service of the collective interest. From a modest childhood in the forested region of Guinea, this man has climbed the ladder to become an indispensable figure in public health, both nationally and internationally.
His inspiring leadership during the Ebola crisis, his dedication to educating new generations, and his contribution to documenting this dark period of Guinea’s history make him a discreet but how essential hero. Dr. Sakoba Keita will forever be engraved in memory as a pillar of his country’s resilience and determination to face the most dreadful health challenges.
