Abdoul Bing

Dr. Abdul Bing, a distinguished medical professional and humanitarian, has dedicated her career to addressing some of the most critical global health challenges, particularly in the areas of epidemic response and child mortality. As the Medical Coordinator for The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Dr. Bing has played a pivotal role in combating the Ebola virus, reducing malnutrition, and providing essential healthcare services in conflict zones across Africa. In recognition of its exceptional contributions to global health, ALIMA has received numerous accolades, including an award from the European Union.

Dr. Bing’s work on the Ebola virus is one of the most significant aspects of her career. During the West African Ebola epidemic, which began in 2013 and claimed over 11,000 lives, she was instrumental in leading ALIMA’s response efforts. Leveraging the organization’s experience in epidemic response, she coordinated care for Ebola patients in Guinea, particularly in N’Zérékoré, where ALIMA supported local health authorities. Her team utilized effective treatments and innovative care units, such as the CUBE, to provide the best possible care while reinforcing the capacity of local health workers. Under her guidance, ALIMA’s approach focused not only on treatment but also on strengthening the national healthcare infrastructure to ensure a sustainable response to the epidemic.

One of Dr. Bing’s key contributions to the fight against Ebola was her involvement in the clinical trials of Favipiravir, an antiviral treatment. Conducted in partnership with INSERM, the trial aimed to assess the drug’s efficacy in reducing mortality and viral load in Ebola patients. Dr. Bing helped lead this research under incredibly challenging conditions, working in the midst of an active epidemic. The gathered data provided critical insights into the virus’s behavior and the potential for future therapeutic protocols. Dr. Bing’s work on this trial contributed to a deeper understanding of the virus and helped inform the development of more targeted treatments for future outbreaks.

Beyond her work on Ebola, Dr. Bing has been deeply involved in efforts to reduce child mortality and address malnutrition in other parts of Africa. Her mission in N’Djamena, Chad, focused on combating severe malnutrition in children under the age of five. ALIMA’s program there has successfully reduced child mortality rates from 10% to 6%, demonstrating significant improvements in health outcomes. Dr. Bing’s work in Chad emphasized the importance of providing free, adequate treatment for malnutrition. The project was a remarkable success, with notable improvements in weight gain, cure rates, and performance indicators.

Dr. Bing’s commitment to humanitarian healthcare extends to her work in conflict zones, where she has consistently provided life-saving medical care to vulnerable populations. In Borno State, Nigeria, she supervised ALIMA’s programs aimed at delivering healthcare to people displaced by armed conflict. Her efforts ensured that displaced communities, particularly women and children, had access to essential health services, including maternal and child healthcare, despite the extreme challenges posed by the conflict.

In 2019, Dr. Bing worked in South Sudan, a region severely affected by both conflict and disease outbreaks. Her work in this area involved addressing a surge in malaria cases and managing healthcare in conflict-affected communities. Under her leadership, ALIMA provided more than 80,000 medical consultations in South Sudan, a testament to her dedication to improving health outcomes in some of the most difficult environments.

Throughout her career, Dr. Bing has also been a strong advocate for building local healthcare capacity. She has consistently focused on training local nurses and doctors, ensuring that healthcare systems in the regions she serves are not only responsive to immediate crises but are also equipped to handle future challenges. This commitment to capacity building is a cornerstone of her work, as she strives to empower local health workers to take on leadership roles in their own communities. Dr. Bing’s efforts have left a lasting impact on the communities she has served, particularly in West Africa, where her leadership during the Ebola crisis continues to be remembered as a beacon of hope.

“ALIMA’s objective is to improve the quality of care. It sends highly-trained people into the field —trained nurses, trained doctors —to reinforce the capacity of those in the field. And our objectives in the field include daily reinforcement and capacity building. So, it’s a job we do regularly. And the results are real.”

Dr. Abdul Bing’s career reflects her unwavering commitment to humanitarianism and her determination to address the world’s most pressing health crises. Whether fighting epidemics, reducing child mortality, or providing healthcare in conflict zones, she has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of medical care and leadership. Her work with ALIMA continues to serve as an inspiring example of the impact that dedicated healthcare professionals can have in improving global health and saving lives.