Nutrition and Public Health Advocate, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health and Focal Person on Nutrition at the Office of the Vice President [Nigeria]
Uju Vanstasia Rochas-Anwukah is a distinguished nutrition and public health advocate who currently serves as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health and the Focal Person on Nutrition at the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria. In these roles, she plays a pivotal part in shaping national nutrition policies and fostering multi-sectoral coordination to combat malnutrition. Uju leads the Nutrition 774 Initiative, a flagship program under the National Council on Nutrition aimed at strengthening nutrition interventions across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria. She is also the Coordinator of the Nutrition Core Working Committee, a coalition of key stakeholders—ranging from government agencies to international organizations, academia, NGOs, and the private sector—that collaborate to drive high-impact nutrition and public health interventions.
She is a member of the Core Working Group for the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), a strategic effort to transform Nigeria’s healthcare system. She also serves as the Co-Chair of the Board of Grand Challenges Nigeria, an initiative harnessing science, technology, and innovation to address critical public health issues. Additionally, Uju is a Board Member of the Rochas Foundation, a globally recognized non-profit dedicated to providing free education to underprivileged children in Nigeria. As the Founder of the U-Save Foundation, she leads efforts to provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions to underserved communities.
Academically, Uju holds a First-Class degree in Biochemistry with a Minor in Mathematics from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, a Master’s in Global Health from King’s College London, and a Postgraduate Degree in Public Health from the University of Texas at Dallas School of Public Health. She also earned a certificate in Sustainable Business Strategy from Harvard University and is currently pursuing a Law degree at Baze University to deepen her expertise in public health policy and governance. Uju is a Fellow of the African Institute of Public Health Professionals.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Uju is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and community development. She mentors young leaders and collaborates with international organizations to drive impactful change. A committed advocate for health equity, Uju has represented Nigeria on national and international platforms, championing increased investments in nutrition, stronger health systems, and innovative solutions to public health challenges. She continues to drive impactful public health and nutrition sector through her leadership, grassroots engagement, and commitment to policy reform change in Nigeria.