Biography

Dr. Folake Olayinka is a physician and internationally recognized global health leader and immunization expert with over three decades of experience in immunisation, polio eradication, malaria programmes, maternal and child health, primary health care and infectious diseases. She is an accomplished strategist and executive, skilled in building high-performing teams, strengthening partnerships, managing complex programmes and investments, and advancing policy and political engagement for public health impact.

She currently serves as Director of Immunization at Africa CDC. Previously, she advised international organisations and philanthropies as a strategy consultant, served as Global Immunization Lead at USAID in Washington, DC, and has led global immunisation programmes with John Snow Inc. and held leadership roles with other international organisations, including Malaria Consortium. Her work spans multiple countries and extensive collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, the World Bank, US CDC, the Gates Foundation, civil society, academia, the private sector, and bilateral and multilateral institutions.

Dr. Olayinka is recognised for leadership in immunisation systems strengthening, tailored programming in complex settings, primary health care integration, vaccine manufacturing, health system resilience, and pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. She has served on major global and regional advisory groups, including WHO SAGE, WHO AFRO RITAG, IA2030 working groups, the Malaria Vaccine Allocation Steering Committee, Gavi-related working groups, and the Scientific Advisory Committee of African Leadership in Vaccinology Expertise. She is widely published in peer-reviewed journals and global platforms and is a co-author of the e-learning course Immunization Essentials.

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