BITA André Izacar Gaël

Public Health Epidemiologist & Humanitarian Project Manager
Mfou, CM.

About

Highly accomplished Public Health Epidemiologist and Humanitarian Project Manager with extensive experience spearheading health emergency responses, operational research, and large-scale project coordination across diverse global settings. Proven expertise in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, capacity building, and strategic program development, evidenced by 26 peer-reviewed publications. Committed to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations through impactful, evidence-based interventions.

Work

Médecins Sans Frontière
|

Epidemiology Activity Manager

Freetown, Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone

Summary

Leading epidemiological activities and emergency responses for Médecins Sans Frontière, focusing on outbreak management, surveillance, and capacity building in Sierra Leone.

Highlights

Led Mpox outbreak response in Sierra Leone, implementing rapid interventions to mitigate disease spread and protect vulnerable communities.

Enhanced epidemic-prone disease surveillance across MSF catchment areas, significantly improving early detection and response capabilities.

Conducted qualitative evaluation of the maternal death review tool at Mgaburaka General Hospital, identifying key areas for improvement in maternal healthcare.

Co-investigated and drafted the protocol for the 'High Flow Nasal Oxygen (HFNO)' study, advancing critical care research at MSF Kenema hospital.

Designed project logical frameworks and data collection tools, overseeing quality data collection processes and comprehensive epidemiological analysis.

Utilized quantitative and qualitative morbidity/mortality data to analyze complex epidemiological situations, informing strategic public health interventions.

Contributed to weekly Emergency Response Preparedness Group (EPRRG) meetings, providing critical epidemiological insights for proactive crisis management.

Developed and delivered capacity building initiatives for the MSF-OCA/OCB data collection and management team, enhancing national public health capabilities.

Alliance for International Medical Action
|

Public Health Researcher/ Socio-anthropologist

Dakar, Senegal, Senegal

Summary

Designed and implemented a qualitative study to assess barriers to MUAC use by families in Mali and Chad, informing public health strategies.

Highlights

Designed and implemented a qualitative study to assess obstacles to MUAC use by families in Bamako (Mali) and Ngouri (Chad), providing critical insights for nutrition programs.

Ensured rigorous preparation, protocol development, and approval processes for surveys, maintaining high ethical and scientific standards.

Collaborated effectively with country teams to implement research protocols, ensuring successful execution across diverse cultural contexts.

Communicated OptiMA project findings and results to key stakeholders, facilitating evidence-based decision-making.

Médecins Sans Frontière
|

Epidemiology Activity Manager (Coordination)

Abuja, Nigeria, Nigeria

Summary

Coordinated epidemiological activities, including survey design, emergency assessments, and capacity building for Médecins Sans Frontière in Nigeria.

Highlights

Edited and secured ERB approval for mortality, morbidity, and nutrition survey protocols, ensuring compliance with ethical and scientific standards.

Conducted rapid needs assessments in Nasarawa and Plateau states (Mangu) during emergency contexts, informing urgent humanitarian responses.

Trained Data Encoders and Medical staff to enhance data collection and analysis in Bauchi and Plateau states, improving data quality and reporting efficiency.

Led the investigation and management of Measles, Diphtheria, and Lassa Fever epidemics in Bauchi State, significantly contributing to outbreak control.

Coordinated a comprehensive mortality, vaccination, and nutrition survey in Ganjuwa LGA, providing crucial public health data.

Established a community-based epidemiological surveillance system in Ganjuwa LGA, enhancing local disease monitoring capabilities.

Analyzed epidemiological data and produced detailed situation reports, informing strategic decision-making and resource allocation.

Médecins Sans Frontière
|

Epidemiology Activity Manager (Coordination)

Juba, South Sudan, South Sudan

Summary

Implemented a multisectoral baseline survey and coordinated epidemiological surveillance and mass drug administration campaigns in South Sudan.

Highlights

Implemented a multisectoral cross-sectional baseline survey among IDPs and host populations in Twic County (Mayen Abun), providing foundational data for humanitarian interventions.

Supported coordination in the analysis of epidemiological surveillance data, enhancing data-driven decision-making for disease control.

Led a mass drug administration campaign for antimalarial treatment in Twic (Mayen Abun), reaching a significant population to combat malaria prevalence.

Médecins Sans Frontière
|

Epidemiologist (HIV/TB Project)

Bangui, Central African Republic, Central African Republic

Summary

Supervised and coordinated operational research projects on HIV and tuberculosis, developing protocols and managing data systems.

Highlights

Supervised and coordinated three operational research studies on HIV and tuberculosis, contributing to evidence-based interventions.

Developed comprehensive research protocols, designed data collection tools, and trained teams, ensuring high-quality data acquisition.

Managed data systems and ensured the quality of databases for HIV/TB projects, maintaining data integrity and reliability.

Prepared and submitted monthly, quarterly, and annual project reports, providing transparent updates on progress and outcomes.

Helen Keller International
|

Nutrition Program Officer / VAS Project Associate

Yaounde, Cameroon, Cameroon

Summary

Coordinated nutrition project implementation, supervised data management, and contributed to research and proposal drafting for Helen Keller International.

Highlights

Coordinated the implementation of field nutrition projects (CMAM, Vitamin A, MNPs, SUN), ensuring effective delivery of vital services.

Supervised data collection, cleaning, analysis, and synthesis for the nutrition program, ensuring data accuracy and utility.

Authored progress and final reports on nutrition projects, detailing achievements and informing future strategies.

Led training and capacity building initiatives in nutrition, enhancing the skills of local health workers and community members.

Participated in research and dissemination of nutrition program results, contributing to the evidence base for effective interventions.

Contributed to drafting new project proposals, securing funding and expanding program reach.

Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation (EGPAF)
|

Health Area Coordinator / Public Health Specialist (HIV Project)

Yaounde, Cameroon, Cameroon

Summary

Coordinated and evaluated HIV care activities, strengthened health systems, and managed data for EGPAF in Cameroon.

Highlights

Monitored and evaluated HIV care activities in target health districts, conducting data quality audits, developing SOPs, and implementing Site Improvement Monitoring Systems (SIMS).

Strengthened the health system and advocated with partners and the Ministry of Health (MoH), improving HIV care delivery infrastructure.

Ensured the availability of essential inputs and data collection tools at site level, optimizing operational efficiency.

Followed up on Quality Improvement projects on site, driving continuous enhancement of HIV care services.

Supervised data collection and transmission by Data Entry Agents, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of reporting.

Médecins Sans Frontière Suisse
|

Epidemiologist (Surveys and epidemiological surveillance projects)

Maroua, Cameroon, Cameroon

Summary

Implemented health surveys in hard-to-reach areas and supported the Ministry of Health in investigating atypical fevers in Cameroon.

Highlights

Led the implementation of a health situation survey utilizing cell phones, successfully assessing basic needs in difficult-to-access populations across Logone-Et-Chari and Mayo-Sava divisions.

Provided critical support to the Ministry of Health for the investigation of an atypical eruptive fever in the Far North Region of Cameroon, contributing to rapid public health response.

International Medical Corps
|

Disease Surveillance Supervisor (Global Health Security Agenda project)

Mokolo, Cameroon, Cameroon

Summary

Supervised community-based disease surveillance and built capacity for epidemic-prone disease response in Cameroon.

Highlights

Supervised community-based disease surveillance activities in the Roua health district, enhancing local disease detection and reporting.

Built capacity of health workers and community health workers in epidemic-prone diseases (EPD) within the health district, strengthening local response capabilities.

Supported the health district in investigating suspected EPD cases, ensuring prompt and complete reporting to facilitate timely interventions.

Plan International
|

Nutrition District Supervisor (Nutrition project)

Maroua, Cameroon, Cameroon

Summary

Supervised nutrition project implementation, capacity building, and reporting for Plan International in Cameroon.

Highlights

Supervised the implementation of Target Supplementary Feeding Program (TSFP) & Blanket Supplementary Feeding Program (BSFP) activities, ensuring effective nutrition support.

Built capacity among nutrition focal points and community health workers on the Integrated Protocol for the Management of Acute Malnutrition (PCIMA).

Monitored BSFP and proposed solutions for improvement, ensuring prompt and complete reporting to optimize program effectiveness.

Collaborated with health district authorities and managed stock follow-up to anticipate stock-outs, ensuring continuous supply chain for nutrition programs.

UNICEF
|

Nutrition Intern

Yaounde, Cameroon, Cameroon

Summary

Drafted, designed, and supervised a study on determinants of malnutrition in children under five in Mayo-Danay, Cameroon.

Highlights

Drafted, designed, and supervised a comprehensive study analyzing determinants of malnutrition in children under five in Mayo-Danay department.

Managed the full study lifecycle, from protocol development and data collection tool design to training, implementation supervision, data analysis, and final report writing.

Education

ICT University
Yaounde, Cameroon, Cameroon

PhD Student

ICT apply of public health

UNAC-CLIIC
Colima, Mexico, Mexico

Master's

International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid

Grade: Good

University of Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France, France

University Diploma

Nutritional Epidemiology

Grade: Good

University of Dschang
Dschang, Cameroon, Cameroon

Master's

Public Health and Epidemiology

Grade: Fairly good

University of Dschang
Dschang, Cameroon, Cameroon

Bachelor

Biomedicals' Sciences

Grade: Fairly Good

Mixed High School of Bamendjou
Bamendjou, Cameroon, Cameroon

Baccalaureate

General Sciences

Grade: Fairly Good

Publications

Reasons of home births in the Hausa community in the peri-urban area of Mfou, Cameroon.

Published by

Ig Sanita Pubbl.

Summary

Explored factors influencing home births within the Hausa community in peri-urban Mfou, Cameroon.

Review of simplified approaches for the provision of care to children with acute malnutrition.

Published by

Ig Sanita Pubbl.

Summary

Reviewed simplified methods for providing care to children suffering from acute malnutrition.

Étude qualitative sur l'acceptabilité et les contraintes à l'appropriation de l'approche PB-Famille et moyens d'amélioration de son fonctionnement à Ngouri, Tchad.

Published by

ALIMA

Summary

Qualitative study on the acceptability and constraints of the PB-Family approach in Ngouri, Chad.

Community-Based Surveillance: Knowledge and skills of Community Health Workers in epidemics setting in Ganjuwa LGA, Nigeria.

Published by

Ig Sanita Pubbl.

Summary

Assessed knowledge and skills of Community Health Workers in epidemic surveillance in Ganjuwa LGA, Nigeria.

Multi-sectorial cross-sectional baseline survey among IDPs and host population in Twic county, South Sudan.

Published by

MSF

Summary

Conducted a baseline survey among IDPs and host populations in Twic County, South Sudan.

Languages

French
English

Certificates

Good Clinical Practice E6(R3)

Issued By

Global Health Training Centre

Manage Successful Field Research Course

Issued By

World Bank

Data Health Information Software (DHIS 2)

Issued By

MSF OCG

Clinical Case Report Writing

Issued By

MSF OCG

Epidemiology

Issued By

MSF OCG

Humanitarian System in Emergencies Preparedness and Response

Issued By

UNICEF

MEAL in Emergency Situations

Issued By

Save the Children

Training of Community Health Workers on PCIMA Protocol

Issued By

ACF

Food Security

Issued By

Humentum

Programming for Infant Young Child Feeding

Issued By

UNICEF & University of Cornell

Quality Improvement

Issued By

Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation

Landmines and Explosive Remnant of War Safety Training

Issued By

United Nations

Heat Security

Issued By

Centre for Safety and Development

Towards More Effective Humanitarian Intervention

Issued By

Humanitarian Academy at Harvard

Skills

Epidemiology & Public Health

Health Emergency Response, Epidemic Surveillance, Operational Research (Qualitative & Quantitative), Data Collection, Data Analysis, Data Presentation, Public Health Project Management, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), Disease Outbreak Response, Maternal Death Review, HIV/TB Studies, Nutrition Programs (CMAM, Vitamin A, MNPs, SUN), Acute Malnutrition Management (PCIMA), Global Health Security, Community-Based Surveillance, Health System Strengthening, Quality Improvement, Mass Drug Administration.

Research & Data Management

Scientific Research, Protocol Drafting, Data Collection Tool Design, Database Management, Data Quality Assurance, Statistical Analysis (STATA, Epi-Infos, R Studio, ENA), Data Visualization (Power BI), DHIS2, ODK, KoboCollect, NVIVO, Report Writing (Scientific, Project, Epidemiological), Manuscript Publication.

Project & Program Management

Humanitarian Project Management, Project Coordination, Strategic Planning, Logical Framework Design, Stakeholder Engagement, Cross-functional Collaboration, Capacity Building, Training & Mentoring, Budget Monitoring, Grant Proposal Drafting, Emergency Response Preparedness.

Communication & Leadership

Scientific Communication, Inter-agency Coordination, Networking, Team Leadership, Independent Decision-Making, Advocacy, Community Engagement, Presentation Skills.