The Chief Executive Officer of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAF), Martina Chukwuma-Ezike, has been conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Public Health and Leadership by Eagleversity Royal Professional University, USA, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to public health, charity leadership, education and community empowerment.
The honorary doctorate was formally conferred on 30 June 2026, recognising more than two decades of leadership dedicated to improving health outcomes, reducing inequalities and championing prevention through education and partnership.
Martina has led the Asthma and Allergy Foundation since 2009, transforming the organisation into Scotland's only dedicated asthma charity and a nationally recognised leader in respiratory health education, advocacy and professional training. Under her leadership, the charity has supported more than 111,000 people, established the UK's first dedicated Asthma Support Centre and secured more than £4million in funding and in-kind support to improve the lives of people living with asthma and allergies.
A former Lord Rector, Chair of Court and Head of the University of Aberdeen, Martina has also played a significant role in higher education governance, public policy and community leadership, becoming the first person of colour to be elected to the historic position in the University's more than 530-year history.
Throughout her career, Martina has worked collaboratively with the NHS, the Scottish Government, local authorities, universities, healthcare professionals, employers and community organisations to improve respiratory health through training, education, early intervention and evidence-based practice.
Today, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation delivers accredited training to universities, schools, workplaces, healthcare professionals and wider industry, including the energy sector, helping organisations create safer environments for people living with respiratory conditions while promoting prevention, health literacy and workforce wellbeing.
The Foundation's work has become increasingly relevant as Scotland continues to address the growing burden of long-term respiratory disease, health inequalities, environmental challenges and workforce health.
Speaking following the award, Martina said: "I am deeply honoured to receive this Honorary Doctor of Public Health and Leadership. I accept this recognition not simply as a personal achievement, but as recognition of the collective efforts of the many colleagues, volunteers, healthcare professionals, researchers, Trustees, Ambassadors, partners and families who have supported our mission over many years.
"Living with brittle asthma has given me a personal understanding of the challenges faced by millions of people living with long-term respiratory conditions. It has strengthened my belief that education, early intervention, partnership working and strong public health leadership have the power to save lives.
"This honour reinforces my commitment to continue working alongside the NHS, government, academia, industry and communities to improve respiratory health, reduce inequalities and ensure that every person has access to the knowledge, support and care they need to live well with their condition."
The award also recognises Martina's wider contribution to governance, strategic leadership and public service, including her work advising national health improvement groups, contributing to respiratory policy development and strengthening collaboration between the charity sector, healthcare services and academic institutions.
As Scotland's only dedicated asthma charity, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation continues to advocate for greater investment in prevention, public education and early intervention, recognising that asthma remains one of the most common long-term health conditions and that many severe asthma attacks and deaths can be prevented through timely diagnosis, effective management and improved health literacy.
Looking ahead, the Foundation is expanding its accredited education and training programmes, strengthening partnerships across the NHS and industry, and developing international collaborations to share its evidence-based approach to asthma education and prevention in countries where respiratory disease continues to place a significant burden on health systems.
Martina concluded: "Public health is everyone's business. Whether we work in healthcare, education, government, research, industry or the voluntary sector, we all have a role to play in creating healthier communities. This honour inspires me to continue working with partners across sectors to build a future where people with asthma and allergies can live well and thrive."