Nnamdi Moeteke Enhances Public Health Education in Idaho

Students engage in public health studies at Idaho State University.

News Summary

Nnamdi Moeteke, a Clinical Assistant Professor at Idaho State University, is making impactful contributions to public health education after transitioning from a medical career in Nigeria. His work includes launching health projects in Nigeria, developing a curriculum for infectious disease prevention in Idaho, and co-founding a non-profit organization to provide health services in rural Nigeria. Through his initiatives, Moeteke advocates for health equity and aims to improve health systems both locally and globally.

Pocatello, Idaho – Nnamdi Moeteke has made significant strides in public health education in the United States after transitioning from a medical career in Nigeria. Currently serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Community and Public Health and Interim Director of Undergraduate Public Health Programmes at Idaho State University (ISU), Moeteke’s journey from rural healthcare to academia reflects his dedication to improving health systems both locally and globally.

Moeteke began his professional career as a medical doctor after graduating from the University of Nigeria, where he originally aspired to become a lawyer due to an early passion for a TV series featuring a brilliant investigative lawyer. However, his aptitude for science, particularly biology, led him to a path in medicine. His educational journey at the University of Nigeria revealed his life’s purpose, inspiring him to impact lives beyond individual patient care.

During his National Youth Service Corps scheme, Moeteke served as a medical officer in Isin LGA, Kwara State, where he launched health and development projects that earned him a state award for his contributions. His career has spanned clinical practice, community medicine, global health research, and academia, providing him with a well-rounded view of public health.

His transition to public health was a pivotal moment in his career, influenced by his experiences during medical residency, where he trained medical students in public health and community medicine at Delta State University Teaching Hospital. This path eventually led him to a residency in community medicine, which equipped him for an academic role.

In 2023, Moeteke was appointed at ISU to oversee the Idaho Collaborative for Infectious Disease Prevention, a program funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He has played a crucial role in developing an interdisciplinary curriculum aimed at enhancing Idaho’s workforce response to infectious diseases. This initiative includes ten online modules designed for both students and healthcare practitioners.

At ISU, Moeteke also teaches and advises students enrolled in the Master of Public Health (MPH) programme. His commitment to public health extends beyond academia, as he co-founded Medix Frontiers, a non-profit organization providing free health services to rural areas in Nigeria. This organization focuses on HIV prevention and public health education, establishing a community of over 800 volunteers and delivering healthcare to tens of thousands in Enugu State.

His involvement in public health has been significant during critical global health crises. Moeteke contributed to initiatives addressing the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, where he faced challenges such as resource scarcity, misinformation, and the emotional strain on healthcare workers. Despite the obstacles within Nigeria’s health system, he sought to expand his opportunities for growth and impact abroad.

Moeteke was awarded the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship, which allowed him to study Public Health at the University of Liverpool. His ambition to pursue this scholarship stemmed from encouragement from a classmate who shared the application link on WhatsApp. Additionally, he served as a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Medical School, concentrating on primary healthcare and universal health coverage.

Adjusting to life in Idaho has not been without challenges for Moeteke, particularly regarding the winter climate and the differences in communication styles compared to Nigeria. Nonetheless, he has received several accolades for his contributions to public health, including the Commonwealth Scholarship and the National Institute of Professional Engineers and Scientists Award.

Moeteke is a strong advocate for health equity, emphasizing that everyone should have the opportunity to achieve the highest level of health—a right he considers fundamental. He recognizes that the public health education systems in Nigeria and the U.S. differ significantly, particularly in terms of funding, data-driven approaches, and the integration of practical experiences in training.

His guiding philosophy integrates his Christian faith with his commitment to serving others, aiming to foster both community and personal development through his work in public health.