Ghanaian nurse nominated by US Embassy to participate in 2023 IVLP

Ghanaian mental health nurse, Kelvin Odonkor (known in his social life as Kobby Blay), has been nominated by the United States Embassy in Ghana to participate in the 2023 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in Washington D.C.

He joins other current and emerging public health leaders around the world to participate in the prestigious program by the US state Department

This, according to a post by the nurse, is in recognition of his work as a nurse in Ghana and based on his work in advancing communication in the sector.

"I've been chosen for and currently participating in the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) by the US Embassy in recognition of my work as a nurse and health communications practitioner towards global health. Grateful especially to the US (embassy) for the full funding, opportunity to meet other current and emerging foreign leaders in variety of fields on the global stage to experience, connect and have varied conversations on issues of global health challenges while learning first hand the US systems and cultivate some network relationships," he wrote in a post on facebook.

Kelvin's journey:

Kelvin has played a pivotal role in shaping the health discourse in Ghana and beyond. His journey began as a nurse, where he witnessed the vital role that effective communication plays in healthcare. This experience led him to transition into the field of health communication, where he has excelled as a health communication practitioner working in different roles to support individuals' groups and organisations during some public health crisis with his recent being for a COVID-19 project with the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG).

Kelvin's work has revolved around digital health advocacy and curbing health disinformation, a critical issue, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the founder and managing health editor of GhanaHealthNest.com,a health news and information website he established, he has effectively disseminated accurate and timely health information, helping to combat the spread of misinformation and saving lives. Including training healthcare practitioners on the use of digital health tools for public health.

Kelvin's dedication to his work and his impact on the field have not gone unnoticed. His selection for the IVLP program is a recognition of his outstanding contributions to global public health communication. This program will provide him with a unique opportunity to collaborate with other health professionals and communicators from around the world, exchange insights, and further enhance his skills.

Kelvin Odonkor's selection for the IVLP program is not just an achievement for him but also a proud moment for Ghana and the global health community. We can only anticipate the positive impact he will continue to make as he embarks on this exciting journey.

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Each year nearly 5,000 International Visitors to the U.S. on the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). More than 200,000 International Visitors have engaged with Americans through the IVLP, including more than 500 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government.

Kobby Blay joins other great Ghanaians like former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor, numerous Members of Parliament, ministers of state, diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, judges, private legal practitioners and senior journalists such as Kwame Sefa Kayi, Manasseh Azure Awuni who have participated in the IVLP.

There is no application for IVLP. Participants are nominated and selected annually by the staff at U.S. Embassies around the world.



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AE