Dr. Christopher da Costa; MD, PhD- How Close are we to a COVID-19 Vaccine

Originally from The Gambia, Dr. Christopher da Costa obtained his BSc. in Human Biology from the University of Zambia (UNZA), graduating with distinction. He then graduated MBChB from UNZA school of Medicine.  He  trained in Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology, Immunology, Wound Management and Hyperbaric Medicine in the UK and USA. His direct patient care experience includes hospital medicine, critical care (ICU), wound care, and hyperbaric medicine.  He holds  Master’s and PhD degrees in Clinical Tropical Medicine and Immunology respectively, both from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (University of London), and an Executive MBA from Auburn University.   He is a Fellow the American College of Physicians and a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 

Dr. da Costa has over 30 years’ experience in clinical practice on three continents: North America, Europe (UK) and Africa. He also has  15 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, primarily in vaccine development.

Dr. da Costa has held several academic teaching and research appointments, including lectureships at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of Wales College of Medicine (Cardiff University), and a Faculty appointment at the University of Nevada School of Medicine in USA. He current works as a vaccine development project leader with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness and Innovations (CEPI), helping to enable global access to vaccines for COVID-19 and several other diseases with pandemic potential, particularly to ensure equitable access for vaccines to people in low resource countries. He is married to a Zambian and is based in the Greater Philadelphia area in USA.