PROFILE OF MRS, IBIYEMI FAKANDE

Ibiyemi Fakande, a distinguished former Chief Health Officer at State Hospital, Ilesa, Osun State, has left an enduring legacy in the healthcare sector. Throughout her tenure, she exhibited unwavering dedication and exemplary leadership. Ibiyemi Fakande's post-retirement endeavors are particularly noteworthy, considering the substantial challenges she confronted in regions with limited infrastructure and resources. In Nigeria, where over 40% of the population resides below the global poverty line, her commendable efforts in empowering individuals living with HIV/AIDS and vulnerable communities since 1994 are truly heroic. Her illustrious career is adorned with prestigious accolades, including the SMEDAN's "One Project One Local Government" Award in 2019, the Humanitarian Service Award from Ijesa Sport Club in 2005, and the Osun State Government's Recognition for Excellence in Health Service in 2004. Furthermore, her work earned her the Red Ribbon for Best Practice in Community Response by the UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria in 2004, and a coveted election to the Ashoka Fellowship in 2001. In her current capacity as the Executive Director of Living Hope Care for People Living with HIV/AIDS since 1998, Ibiyemi Fakande continues to play pivotal roles in various capacities, serving as the CiSHAN Osun State Focal Person, TB Network Osun State Focal Person, and Treasurer at the International Bioethics Forum. Her intellectual contributions extend to academia, with notable research articles published on Academia.edu. Demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and knowledge-sharing, Ibiyemi Fakande has participated in over 180 workshops and conferences within Nigeria, 15 internationally, and has facilitated 20 in the past five years. Her journey stands as a testament to her unwavering pursuit of health equity and her profound impact on the community health landscape