M. Varough Deyde, PhD, has joined CDC South Africa as director of Laboratory Programs

M. Varough Deyde, PhD, has joined CDC South Africa as director of Laboratory Programs, the position which he held for the past two years with CDC Nigeria. A native of the West African country of Mauritania, Deyde was recently cited by Mauritania Magazine as one of the 50 most influential citizens of the Mauritanian Diaspora.

Deyde represents a role model of hope and inspiration to many. Growing up, he knew nothing about the creature comforts of life. Tragically, he lost his parents when he was a young boy. He was raised by his grandfather (now 105 years old) who taught him about the importance of treating people with dignity and respect. Deyde’s colleagues would attest that Deyde has learned those lessons well.

When he arrived in the US in 2000, Deyde spoke very little English, though he was fluent in French, Fulani, Arabic, Pulaar, and Hassaniya. Four years later, he had earned a PhD in cellular and molecular biology from the University of Nevada in Reno, studying hemorrhagic fever viruses. Deyde also holds a master’s degree in genetics and molecular biology from the University of Sciences, Techniques and Medicine in Tunis. Deyde has written or co-written more than 35 articles published in numerous medical journals, including Science, the New England Journal of Medicine, and the Journal of the American Medical Association, among others.

CDC Connects Story Manager: Faye McDonald Smith