Prof. David Téa Okou

Dr. David Téa Okou is the first Ivorian clinical molecular geneticist. He is focused on applying molecular biology to health innovation in Africa. After studying in Côte d’Ivoire, he earned a PhD in Biochemistry in the United States. His research gained prominence at Emory University, where he investigated genetic variations affecting disease susceptibility.

In 2007, he developed a novel DNA capture method using microarrays, improving the speed and cost of identifying human genetic variations. In 2022, he returned to Côte d’Ivoire to establish genomic medicine in the country. He advocates for bridging the “genomic diversity gap,” emphasizing the importance of African populations in global medical research. He is currently developing molecular diagnostic and screening tools to improve disease prevention and healthcare outcomes across West Africa.