Chukwuma Mbaeyi, MPH, DDS

Chukwuma Mbaeyi is the Deputy Team Lead for the Polio Eradication Branch at the CDC, bringing over a decade of experience in epidemiology, biostatistics, and public health. His work focuses on disease elimination, outbreak response, and vaccine program evaluation, with a mission-driven commitment to eradicating polio globally. Through his leadership, he contributes to the development and implementation of strategies that address complex global health challenges, ensuring that scientific evidence is translated into actionable public health interventions.

Chukwuma’s journey in medicine began in Nigeria, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Ibadan in 2005 and practiced as a dentist for several years. While clinical dentistry provided invaluable skills, he was drawn toward research and population-level health. Transitioning from clinical practice to epidemiology allowed him to focus on broader public health challenges, combining his clinical insight with rigorous research to inform impactful health strategies.

To pursue this path, Chukwuma earned his Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, graduating in 2009 with distinction (GPA 3.94/4.0). He is a member of Delta Omega, the National Public Health Honor Society, and Sigma Xi, the National Research Honor Society, reflecting his commitment to excellence in public health research and scholarship.

Since moving to the United States, Chukwuma has held multiple leadership and technical roles at the CDC, including Acting Technical Deputy for the Pakistan Team, Senior Service Fellow, and Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer. His work has included responding to complex outbreaks, evaluating immunization programs, and guiding teams in high-pressure environments. He is recognized for his analytical rigor, mentorship, and dedication to improving global health outcomes.

Outside of his scientific career, Chukwuma is passionate about poetry and literature. In 2015, he published Treasures and Travails: An Anthology, a collection of poems he wrote over several years. Balancing his professional and creative pursuits, Chukwuma exemplifies a multidimensional approach to life, blending intellectual rigor with personal expression while continuing to make a global impact in public health.

• MPH, Public Health: Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2009
• DDS, Dentistry, University of Ibadan, 2005

• David & Patricia Bernstein Scholarship (Outstanding MPH student)
• MacArthur Foundation Exchange Scholar (2004/2005)
• Most Versatile Member, Class of 2005, Faculty of Dentistry
• Overall Best Dental Student in Medicine, Pathology, and Pharmacology (2003)
• Chevron/NNPC National Merit Scholarship (1999/2000)
• Shell/NNPC National Merit Scholarship (1998/1999)

• Delta Omega
• National Public Health Honor Society
• Sigma Xi
• National Research Honor Society

• Personal support for homeless individuals
• Mentor, Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition (HEBCAC) Youth Opportunity Center, 2009

Strategic Response to an Outbreak of Circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 — Syria, 2017–2018
MMWR, June 22, 2018

In 2017, an outbreak of circulating VDPV type 2 (cVDPV2) occurred in Syria, causing 74 cases. Implementation of three rounds of monovalent OPV type 2 campaigns coupled with intensified surveillance interrupted the outbreak.

Response to a Large Polio Outbreak in a Setting of Conflict — Middle East, 2013-2015
MMWR, March 3, 2017

Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication — Afghanistan, January 2015‒August 2016
MMWR, November 4, 2016

Treasures and Travails: An Anthology
Xlibris, May 15, 2015

Progress toward polio eradication — Somalia, 1998–2013
Journal of Infectious Diseases, November 1, 2014; 210 Suppl 1: S173–80. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jit808

Hepatitis C Virus Screening and Management of Seroconversions in Hemodialysis Facilities
Seminars in Dialysis, July 1, 2013

Assessment of Management Policies and Practices for Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens in Dialysis Facilities
American Journal of Kidney Diseases, October 1, 2012