The American University of Antigua

In 2004, the American University of Antigua in cooperation with the government of Antigua created the center to research tropical diseases and advance global health to prevent or contain the spread of infectious diseases in less developed countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Dr. O.O. Dipeolu, is the Professor of Microbiology at AUA and the Director of the Center for Tropical Diseases and International Travel Medicine. He has over 35 years of university experience, having distinguished himself in the fields of teaching and community service all over the globe, from the United States and Europe to Africa and the Caribbean. Dr. Dipeolu established the Center for Tropical Diseases and International Travel Medicine at AUA.

Prior to coming to the Caribbean, Dr. Dipeolu was the Vice Chancellor/Principal and Chief Executive Officer of University of the North in South Africa. Dr. Dipeolu was the recipient of a Fulbright Award and a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences, the most prestigious academy in Africa.

During the past three years, the center has conducted numerous research projects such as the “Investigation into the Infectious Diseases in Community Populations in Antigua,” and “Constraints of Food Security in Antigua and Barbuda.” Much of the research is directed to improve the health of the local population, but the recommendations can be implemented in other Caribbean countries.