Ikushi Onozaki

Ikushi Onozaki, MD, MPH, is a leading expert in Health Science with a focus on global tuberculosis control. He earned his medical degree from Chiba University School of Medicine in Japan and his Master of Public Health from Boston University School of Public Health in 1997, specializing in international health. His career began as a physician specializing in infectious diseases and respiratory medicine, working in various hospitals and TB clinics in Japan. After gaining three years of TB experience in Nepal, which ignited his passion for public health, he pursued advanced studies at Boston University.

Throughout his distinguished career, Onozaki has held pivotal roles advancing TB epidemiology and policy. He served as Director of the Department of International Cooperation at the Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association (JATA). At the World Health Organization (WHO), as Medical Officer in the Global TB Programme, he led the prevalence survey group within the Global Task Force on TB Impact Measurement for seven years, facilitating national TB prevalence surveys in high-burden countries across Asia and Africa. These efforts have been instrumental in clarifying TB epidemiology and enhancing control strategies. Onozaki has contributed to numerous WHO policy papers and guidelines, mentored young professionals in epidemiological and operational research, and served as Chief Adviser to the National TB Control Project in Cambodia. He currently works as executive adviser at JATA/RIT and sits on the Board of Directors of The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Boston University School of Public Health Distinguished Alumni Award in 2014. His key publications include "Analysis of tuberculosis prevalence surveys: new guidance on best-practice" (2014), "National tuberculosis prevalence surveys in Asia, 1990–2012: an overview of results" (2015), "Subclinical Tuberculosis Disease—A Review and Analysis of Studies" (2021), and "Estimating the contribution of subclinical tuberculosis disease to transmission" (2023).

Professional Email: onozakii@jata.or.jp