Announcing a New Editor, African Journal of Reproductive Health

Abstract

To increase the functionality and impact of the African Journal of Reproductive Health (AJRH), a few organizational changes recently took place in the management of the journal. Professor Friday Okonofua, the founding editor, has now moved to the position of Editor-In-Chief, while a new editor has been appointed for the journal. The editor is Dr. Akhere Omonkhua, an associate professor of Medical Biochemistry at the University of Benin in Nigeria. Dr. Omonkhua is a renowned biochemist with deep interest in seeking to understand the scientific basis for the use of traditional medicinal plants in the treatment of diseases in Africa, including those that relate to the reproductive system. She is a strong advocate for women‘s health, gender equality, and social equity for women. She has demonstrated through the many positions she has held that she is deeply committed to women‘s empowerment and the effective participatory roles for women in high-level governance. Dr. Omonkhua obtained a Bachelors‘ degree, with a Second Class Upper Division in 1998 and a Masters‘ Degree in 2002 (with the class prize) in Biochemistry from the University of Benin. She was awarded a PhD in Toxicology from the same University in 2010. Her PhD Thesis titled Toxicological and anti-diabetic evaluation of some local medicinal plants was nominated for the National Universities Commission of Nigeria Doctoral Award by the University of Benin in 2012. Dr. Omonkhua started her career as an Assistant Lecturer at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko and South-west Nigeria in 2003. She transferred her services to the University of Benin as Senior Lecturer in 2012; and was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor in October, 2015. Akhere is an avid researcher, with major focus on determining the efficacy and safety of anti-diabetic and antimalarial medicinal plants, as well as elucidating the phytochemicals and mechanism(s) of action of these plants. She has over 30 local, national and international journal publications. She has presented papers in several local and international conferences. Akhere is a member of the editorial board of Biokemistri, and is the Editor, Section on Biological Sciences of the Annals of Science and Technology. She is also an active member of the Nigerian Young Academy which is affiliated to the Nigerian Academy of Science. The AJRH is very proud of this new recruitment as we are convinced that Dr. Akhere Omonkhua will bring her deep passion and considerable commitment to work and take the journal to higher levels of achievement. We congratulate her very warmly and wish her good luck in the new assignment.