Draft:Demba Keita's Biography

• Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest policy, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Damhpa2025 (talk) 02:11, 14 June 2025 (UTC)

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Biography of Demba Keita Introduction Demba Keita is a healthcare and public health professional. He currently serves as Supervisor of Disease Surveillance and Investigation at the Sullivan County Department of Public Health in Liberty, New York. With over 15 years of professional experience, Dr. Keita has contributed to infectious disease prevention, health equity initiatives, and local health policy reforms across multiple counties in New York State. Early Life Demba Keita was born on May 1st, 1984, in Kuntaur Wharf Town, Niani District, Central River Region, The Gambia, West Africa. His early education started at Kuntaur Primary School, Kuntaur Junior Secondary School, where is served as headboy, and later proceeded to the Muslim Senior Secondary School in Banjul, where he also served as the student leader, otherwise known as headboy. Education Demba Keita began his medical and public health journey in The Gambia, where he worked as a laboratory technician at the Medical Research Council. He later earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Romulo Gallegos in Venezuela, graduating magna cum laude. Keita holds a Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of Indianapolis in the United States. He also completed training in public health leadership at Cornell University and Business Administration at the University of Miami. Career Keita’s early medical career included service as a Primary Care Physician in Caracas, Venezuela. After relocating to the United States, he transitioned into public health. From 2022 to 2024, Keita served as Rabies/Zoonosis Program Coordinator at the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health, where he oversaw communicable disease response, animal exposure follow-up, and public education on zoonotic risks. In 2025, he was appointed Supervisor of Disease Surveillance & Investigation at the Sullivan County Department of Public Health. In this role, he directs communicable disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, rabies response, STI and TB program oversight, and policy development. He also serves as Public Health Policy Development & Management Analyst at Columbia County Department of Health, where he was the lead author of Columbia County’s first-ever Sanitary Code, a comprehensive regulatory document aimed at improving environmental and community health standards. Dr. Keita is the Vice President of Casa Comunitaria De Recursos, a nonprofit dedicated to community health advocacy and immigrant health empowerment in Poughkeepsie, NY. Research and Advocacy Keita’s research interests include health disparities among immigrant populations, chronic disease management, and public health workforce development. His doctoral research focused on the quality of life in older immigrant adults receiving hemodialysis. He has presented at county health board meetings, conducted community education programs, and led rabies stakeholder collaboration efforts. Dr. Keita is known for advancing health equity, promoting inclusive public health policy, and expanding access to preventive services in rural and underserved areas. Honors and Recognition - Marquis Who’s Who Honoree, for expertise in public health (2025) - Congressional Black Caucus Spouses Education Scholarship Award (2022, 2023) - Senior Public Health Fellow, New York State Department of Health (2022) - Best Internship Award, Venezuela Medical Federation (2013) - Magna Cum Laude, University of Romulo Gallegos (2014) Selected Training - Public Health Leadership Essentials – Cornell University (2025) - NYS Public Health Essentials – Cornell University (2023) - Building Expertise in Administration and Management – University of Miami (2024) Personal Life Dr. Keita is fluent in English and Spanish. He resides in Hudson, New York, and is active in public health education, immigrant rights advocacy, and local health improvement initiatives. Family Father- Seyfo Jalamang Keita: The late Chief of Niani District, Central River Region, The Gambia- 1978 to 2000. Mother- Fatou Njie Children: Aja Fatima Keita, Omar Jerreh Keita, & Khadijatou Keita Siblings: Saibo Keita (Late), Tida Keita (Late), Aunty Keita, Dodou Keita, Ramis Keita, Aja Kumba Keita(Late), Musa Keita, Khadijatou Keita (Late), Abdou Jeli Keita, Mansata Keita, Ebrima Keita(Late), Seedy Keita, Kutanding Keita, Dawda Keita, Lamin Keita, Kebba Keita, Sainey Keita, Sanna Keita, Mariama Keita, Jainaba Keita

References

References 1. Columbia County Department of Health. (2024). Sanitary Code Development and Community Listening Sessions. https://columbiacountynyhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Sanitary-Code-Listening-Session-Flyer.pdf 2. 24-7 Press Release. (May 2025). Marquis Who’s Who Honors Demba Keita for Expertise in Public Health. https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/522847/marquis-whos-who-honors-demba-keita-md-dhsc-mph-for-expertise-in-public-health 3. U.S. Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Spouses Education Scholarship Honorees, 2022–2023 4. https://marquistopdoctors.com/tag/demba-keita/ 5. Columbia County is working on a new sanitary code: theupstater.com/the-columbia-paper/county-works-on-sanitary-code-to-meet-challenges/?wallit_nosession=1