BREAKING BARRIERS: DR. MECHA MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST AFRICAN ON WORLD ENDOMETRIOSIS SOCIETY BOARD

 

 

Dr. Ezekiel Onyonka Mecha, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Nairobi's Department of Biochemistry, has achieved a significant milestone by being appointed to the board of the World Endometriosis Society. As the sole African representative and the first individual from the continent to hold this position, Dr. Mecha's two-year term on the Global Liaison Committee (2023-2025) is a testament to his expertise and commitment to advancing endometriosis awareness and research. The Department congratulates Dr. Mecha and expresses best wishes for his pivotal role in global endometriosis management.

Dr. Mecha serves as the director of Endometriosis East Africa, an organization dedicated to promoting awareness campaigns and progress in understanding endometriosis and related uterine disorders in East Africa. His research focuses on identifying diagnostic biomarkers using metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics, particularly exploring the roles of Transforming Growth Factor betas/receptors superfamily molecules in endometriosis pathogenesis.

Notably, Dr. Mecha's contributions extend beyond academia; he is an associate editor of the Journal of Reproduction and Fertility since May 2021. He has organized impactful workshops and conferences, such as the 1st East African Endometriosis Conference in May 2021, which attracted global participants and speakers.

Dr. Mecha has initiated collaborations with renowned institutions in Germany and the United Kingdom, fostering long-term research partnerships. Additionally, his efforts have resulted in a collaborative agreement between the Kenya Obstetrics and Gynecological Society and the European Endometriosis League, strengthening ties and facilitating knowledge exchange.

Dedicated to advancing endometriosis awareness in Africa, Dr. Mecha actively engages with communities, patients, healthcare professionals, and governmental and non-governmental organizations. His advocacy includes published articles in Kenyan newspapers, talks on various TV stations, and the ongoing establishment of an African endometriosis lobby to unite experts and amplify awareness campaigns across the continent.

In conclusion, Dr. Ezekiel Onyonka Mecha's multifaceted role as an endometriosis research scientist and advocate underscores the importance of global collaboration in advancing research and effective therapeutic interventions for endometriosis.