PAAU Scholar, Dr. Bello Kizito Eneye, and Team Win FAO/UN Global One Health Special Prize 2024

Dr. Bello Kizito Eneye, a distinguished scholar from the Department of Microbiology at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) Anyigba, and his research team have been awarded the highly prestigious FAO/UN Global One Health Special Prize for 2024. The award, part of the United Nations Transformative Research Challenge for food sustainability, recognizes groundbreaking contributions to global health and the One Health initiative, which aims to promote human, animal, and environmental health.

Dr. Kizito's innovative research project, titled *“Genomic Surveillance of Avian and Human Influenza Virus in Wastewater,”* emerged as the winner out of more than 2,000 applicants worldwide. This research holds significant potential in addressing global health concerns related to influenza and the growing challenges of zoonotic diseases.

As a recipient of the Global One Health Special Prize, Dr. Kizito presented his findings at the World Food Forum 2024 flagship event in Rome, where he pitched his ideas to world leaders and policymakers. His research aims to improve biosecurity and public health by using genomic surveillance in wastewater to track the spread of avian and human influenza viruses.

Dr. Kizito was awarded a special prize of $10,000 for his pioneering work and its potential impact on solving pressing global health issues. In expressing his gratitude, Dr. Kizito acknowledged the support of PAAU’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, whose staff training initiative helped shape his academic journey. Dr. Kizito, a foreign-sponsored scholar, earned his PhD in Molecular Virology and Oncology from Universiti Sains Malaysia.

His work has garnered international attention, leading to collaborations with research institutions in the United States, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Dr. Kizito also serves as the founder and Principal Investigator of the Transformative Research Group at PAAU, where he and his team have collaborated with SIMAD University in Somalia on public health projects.

Speaking to the PAAU Media Team, Dr. Kizito shared his vision for the future: “I believe research can make a significant impact on our modern day-to-day problems, especially in food biosecurity and global health. This grant is just a proof of concept, as my team and I are currently aiming for the stars.” He added, “If you can think it, you can achieve it.”

This award not only highlights Dr. Kizito's exceptional scientific achievements but also positions PAAU as a key player in global health research.