For immediate release: Sept. 10, 2007

GALVESTON, Texas - An international expert in virology and disease control, Oyewale Tomori of Nigeria, will make the inaugural presentation at a new lecture series at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Tomori's speech is scheduled for 12:15 p.m., Sept. 21, in Levin Hall, 10th and Market streets. Admission is free and open to the public. A reception is scheduled following the speech.

Tomori, who is vice chancellor and CEO at Redeemer's University in Ogun State, Nigeria, will speak on "Disease in Control of Africa; Implications for Global Health."

Tomori earlier this year was the keynote speaker at the first African Symposium on Avian Pandemic Influenza and Anti-Virals that was held in Abuja, Nigeria. More than 200 scientists and experts from all over the world took part in the symposium that was organized with the help of the World Bank, the World Health Organization and the Nigerian government.

Tomori, who helped establish a network of laboratories to fight polio in Africa, also played a pivotal role in the prevention and control of yellow fever and exotic emerging diseases such as Lassa fever and Ebola.

He has been awarded the Nigeria National Order of Merit, that country's highest and most prestigious award for academic and intellectual achievement. He previously served as regional virologist and laboratory coordinator for the Africa region of WHO, is a researcher and laboratory specialist. 

The PAHO/WHO Collaborating Center for Training in International Health is sponsoring Tomori's speech as part of the new Global Health Lecture Series.

"The center is very pleased to have such an exceptional leader in global health to inaugurate this new lecture series, and are grateful for the support of UTMB's Institute for Human Infection and Immunity in bringing Dr. Tomori to our campus." said Dr. Janice K. Smith, director of CTIH. "We hope this lecture series will provide a forum for UTMB and Galveston to learn about and become more engaged in a variety of global health issues that ultimately affect all of us."
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Public Affairs Office
301 University Boulevard, Suite 3.102
Galveston, Texas 77555-0144
www.utmb.edu