INFOSPOT Issue No. 05 | Library Update

The Library has received a donation of eleven copies of Defeating COVID-19 in the African Frontline (2024) authored by Prof. Shem Otoi Odhiambo Sam. The books were formally received by the Library team on Thursday, 12 February 2026.

Prof. Sam is a Kenyan scholar and public health expert affiliated with Daystar University, Nairobi. His work spans global health, infectious disease surveillance, public policy, and digital health systems.

Defeating COVID-19 in the African Frontline (2024), registered with the Library of Congress under LCCN 2025332017, documents Africa-led pandemic response strategies and presents the OTOI-NARIMA Model. This applied framework focuses on early warning systems, surge surveillance, and epidemic response in resource-constrained settings. It integrates epidemiological intelligence, governance coordination, and digital health tools to strengthen preparedness and health system resilience.

Prof. Sam’s research interests include pandemic preparedness, infectious disease surveillance, digital health innovation, and evidence-informed public policy. He has been invited to present at the International Congress of Infectious Diseases 2026 in Paris, where he will share findings on multipronged approaches to pandemic surge surveillance in East Africa.

The Library appreciates this scholarly contribution, which strengthens institutional collections in public health, health systems research, and African-led policy innovation.