The African Development Bank Group has appointed Dr. Soumik Paul as Acting Director of the Staff Welfare Services, Compensation and Employment Policy Department.

Dr. Paul, a citizen of Kenya, is a consultant surgeon with extensive managerial experience in clinical medicine, surgery, disaster medicine, occupational health and safety, medical insurance, and medical law. He also has experience in welfare services and administration of medical services. Prior to this appointment, he was head of the Bank's Medical and Occupational Health Services Unit, a position he has held since October 2019.

Around three months before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Paul led the streamlining and upgrading of the Bank's Medical, Occupational Health and Welfare Services, aiming to provide improved services to the staff of the Bank and their dependents.

Prior to joining the Bank, Dr. Paul worked as the Head of Medical, Occupational Health and Safety or similar capacities at multiple organizations, including the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, the United Nations Peacebuilding Mission in Sierra Leone, and the United Nations Office in Nairobi. Prior to working with international organizations, Dr. Paul was the Head of Accident and Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine Center, and satellite clinics of the Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi.

Dr. Paul holds Master's degrees in general surgery from the University of Nairobi, and disaster medicine from the University of Piemonte Orientale, Italy, and the Vrije Universiteit, Belgium.

"Soumik is a seasoned and respected medical specialist with specialized knowledge of Africa's healthcare challenges and solutions. Given his experience and leadership qualities, Soumik will provide leadership and direction to the department during this transitional period," said African Development Bank Group President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.

Dr. Paul said: "I am very grateful to President Adesina for this appointment, which provides me with the opportunity to continue to contribute to the well-being, health and safety of our colleagues, so that they can contribute effectively to realizing the Bank's High 5 strategic priorities, and lead healthy, productive lives."

Contact:

Communication and External Relations Department, media@afdb.org