Anosh Ahmed to Develop COVID-19 Protocols for Northern Africa

CHICAGO, IL – June 29, 2025 – Internationally recognized physician and healthcare leader Anosh Ahmed has been appointed by a United Nations-affiliated health organization to spearhead the creation of standardized COVID-19 protocols for underserved and remote areas in Northern Africa. This high-impact initiative aims to establish scalable, field-ready procedures that can address the ongoing health challenges in regions with limited medical infrastructure.

Bringing U.S. Pandemic Expertise to Global Public Health

Over the past several years, Anosh Ahmed has become well known for his leadership in high-volume COVID-19 testing and vaccination programs in major U.S. cities, including Chicago and Houston. His work focused on reaching vulnerable populations such as public housing residents, frontline workers, and high-risk communities.

These programs, developed in collaboration with municipal governments and public health agencies, successfully expanded access to testing and vaccines while building trust among residents often overlooked by mainstream healthcare systems. This proven ability to combine clinical expertise with community outreach has positioned Dr. Ahmed as a trusted leader in global health initiatives.

Mission: Scalable SOPs for Northern Africa

The new Northern Africa project will focus on designing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that are both scientifically rigorous and operationally practical. The protocols will cover all critical aspects of COVID-19 response, including:

• Testing: Establishing guidelines for accurate, rapid, and mobile testing units.

• Vaccination: Creating safe and efficient distribution systems for various vaccine types.

• Field Operations: Coordinating medical teams in remote and high-need areas.
  
  

Dr. Ahmed’s task is to ensure these SOPs can be implemented effectively in challenging conditions, including:

• Border zones and refugee settlements.

• Nomadic and migratory communities.

• Areas undergoing post-conflict recovery.

Overcoming Logistical and Social Barriers

One of the core challenges in Northern Africa is the lack of reliable infrastructure. Vaccine transport and storage often face obstacles such as limited cold-chain facilities, inconsistent electricity, and inadequate road access. The SOPs developed under Dr. Ahmed’s leadership will address these challenges through innovative solutions, such as solar-powered refrigeration units, mobile health teams, and adaptable distribution schedules.

Equally important is the social dimension of the initiative. Many communities in these regions have a long history of skepticism toward institutional healthcare. Building public trust will be a priority, involving transparent communication, engagement with local leaders, and culturally sensitive health education campaigns.

Alignment with WHO Guidelines – Tailored for Local Needs

While the protocols will align with existing World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, Dr. Ahmed emphasizes the importance of localization. This means adapting international best practices to suit the realities of Northern African communities, where factors such as geography, culture, and resource availability differ widely from urban centers in developed nations.

By working closely with regional health ministries, NGOs, and community organizations, the project aims to produce guidelines that are both effective and acceptable to local populations.

A Model for Future Public Health Challenges

Dr. Ahmed sees this initiative as more than just a COVID-19 response. The framework being developed will also serve as a template for managing future public health crises, whether they involve infectious diseases, environmental disasters, or humanitarian emergencies.

“Effective healthcare must be accurate, accessible, and accountable,” said Dr. Ahmed. “Our goal is not only to respond to COVID-19 but to create a sustainable model that strengthens health systems for years to come.”

The emphasis on sustainability means training local medical teams, improving supply chain reliability, and ensuring that resources can be mobilized quickly in any future outbreak scenario.

Phase One Deployment

The first phase of the project is scheduled to roll out later this year. This stage will focus on:

• Deploying pilot teams to test SOPs in selected regions.

• Gathering real-time feedback from frontline health workers.

• Adjusting procedures based on operational challenges and cultural feedback.
  
  

Once refined, the protocols will be scaled across multiple Northern African nations, creating a unified, region-wide approach to COVID-19 prevention and treatment.

Collaboration with Regional Health Partners

Dr. Ahmed’s role will involve extensive collaboration with local and international partners, including:

• National health ministries to integrate SOPs into official public health frameworks.

• Non-governmental organizations to provide logistical and operational support.

• Community leaders to ensure local acceptance and participation.
  
  

This multi-level collaboration will ensure that the protocols are not only scientifically sound but also socially and politically viable.

About Anosh Ahmed

Anosh Ahmed is a Chicago-based physician, entrepreneur, and philanthropic leader recognized for his innovative approach to healthcare delivery. He has led some of the largest COVID-19 community response programs in the United States and continues to work globally to improve health systems in underserved areas. His expertise spans clinical care, public health policy, and operational management in high-pressure environments.

Why This Matters

The engagement of Dr. Ahmed by a UN-affiliated health organization highlights the growing need for leaders who can bridge the gap between medical science and real-world implementation. With COVID-19 still posing threats in many parts of the world, especially in regions with fragile healthcare systems, the development of effective SOPs could mean the difference between containment and continued outbreaks.

This initiative represents a significant step toward building resilient, equitable healthcare infrastructures—not just for Northern Africa, but as a blueprint for global public health preparedness.