Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Dr. Faith Yego

Senior Lecturer at the Dept. of Health Policy Mgt and Human Nutrition

Dr. Erica Di Ruggiero

Associate Professor and Director for the Centre for Global Heath

Ophelia Michaelides

Manager, Centre for Global Health

Kamla Ross McGregor

Project Coordinator, Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship, Center for Global Health

Dr. Asma Awadh, MBChB, MiPH, MHM

Asma is the Sub County Medical Officer of Health in Langata and Kibera as well as the Chair of the Australian Awardees Women in Leadership Network and a member of the Pan-Africa Advisory Council for WILN-Kenya Chapter.

Asma holds a bachelor’s in medicine and surgery from the University of Nairobi, a master’s in international public health, and a master’s in health management from the University of New South Wales, Australia.

With over 10 years of experience, she specializes in patient management, neonatal care, and public health. Asma has led health facilities, managed teams, and spearheaded community initiatives.

In her free time, she volunteers to improve child health behaviors and supports medical outreach in underserved communities. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family.

Catherine Ouma, MPH

Catherine is an Institutional Ethics Review Board Administrator at MTRH/MUCHS with over 10 years of experience in managing research submissions and approvals. She holds a bachelor’s in environmental health and a master’s in public health with a focus on health management and is committed to ensuring ethical review processes and protecting research participants’ rights.

Passionate about addressing inequities faced by women in academia, Catherine is particularly concerned about the low publication rates of women as lead authors in Sub-Saharan Africa. To combat this, she creates and leads specialized training and mentoring programs to empower women as prominent researchers.

In her free time, Catherine enjoys building connections within the research community and supporting initiatives that promote women in global health leadership.

Dr. Diana Marion, MBChB, MMed (Obs/Gyn), MBA

Diana is a Senior Medical Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Laikipia County, Kenya, and the founder of Dalkim Obstetrics & Gynecological Centre. With over 15 years of experience, she is also an educator in health systems at AMREF International University and serves as the Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Association.

Diana has extensive leadership experience in healthcare startups, policy formulation, and advocacy, with a focus on advancing Universal Health Coverage. She is passionate about transforming health systems locally and globally. She is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Fellowship in Gynecological Oncology.

In her free time, Diana enjoys outdoor adventures, social networking, and traveling.

Dr. Florence Njenga Wachira, MBChB, MSc

Florence is a medical doctor with expertise in mental health, healthcare delivery, and project management. She currently serves as a Care and Treatment Technical Advisor for the HIV/TB project at the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation in Central Kenya.

With a passion for comprehensive healthcare delivery, health communication, and equity, Dr. Florence is dedicated to transformational leadership in public health. Through her work, she aims to create lasting impact in health systems and advocate for better access to care.

Through her work in this fellowship, she hopes to strengthen her leadership skills and connect with women leaders to advance global health.

Dr. Irene Mutua, MBChB, MMed

Dr. Irene Mutua is the head of pediatric surgery department at Kenyatta University Teaching Referral and Research Hospital in Kenya. She holds a Master of Medicine in Pediatric Surgery and is a COSECSA Fellow. She has over 13 years’ experience in various leadership roles throughout her professional career.

Dr. Mutua has built collaborative partnership with stakeholders to promote Primary Health Care with an aim of reducing child morbidity and mortality while empowering women in the communities. She is passionate about global health, and aims to promote Universal Health Coverage by ensuring gender equity and equality in health provision. Dr. Irene Mutua aims to gain knowledge and skills from women- led mentors in global health policy development and advocacy during the Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship.

Phylis Busienei, MSc.

Phylis is a Research Officer at the African Population and Health Research Center, specializing in Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation (WASH) and its connection to public health. She holds a master’s in environmental and occupational health and is committed to improving WASH services for vulnerable populations, believing that equitable access to health is a fundamental human right.

Through this fellowship program, Phylis aims to strengthen her understanding of gender-transformative leadership and collaborate with other women to drive impactful policy change.

In her free time, Phylis enjoys hiking, enjoying a good cup of tea, and spending time with her family.

Dr. Ruth Wamae, MMed, MSc.

Ruth is a practicing Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with over 12 years of experience delivering reproductive healthcare across public, mission, and private sectors in Kenya. She has served as the National Treasurer for the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS) and is the National Advocacy Champion for Postpartum Hemorrhage, working to end preventable maternal deaths.

Ruth is passionate about contributing to policy development that promotes gender equity and advocates for equitable health systems, particularly in maternal health. She aims to build partnerships and foster a community of health advocates from diverse sectors.

In her free time, Ruth enjoys traveling and cooking.

Dr. Susan Arodi, MBChB, MPH

Susan is a public health specialist and Deputy Chief of Party for the USAID-funded Fahari ya Jamii project at the University of Nairobi. With over 14 years of experience, she provides technical and programmatic leadership in the design, implementation, and monitoring of health programs.

She holds an MPH in Management of Health Systems from the University of Liverpool, UK, and an MBChB from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. Dr. Susan has spent 13 years focusing on HIV programs and is passionate about gender equity and women’s leadership in global health.

Through this fellowship, Susan aims to enhance her leadership and advocacy skills, contributing to her organization and the broader global health community.

Dr Khabiso Ramphoma, BChD, MChD in Community Dentistry

Khabiso is a dentist and dental public health specialist, currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of the Western Cape’s Faculty of Dentistry in South Africa. She trains and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate dental students while coordinating outreach projects focused on community learning.

Her passion for global health drives her to address disparities in oral health access and advocate for comprehensive policies, particularly for vulnerable populations like mothers and children. Khabiso chairs the Dental Public Health Group within the Public Health Association of South Africa and represents the country on the Oral Health Working Group of the World Federation of Public Health Associations.

Through the WGLHF Fellowship, Khabiso aims to enhance her leadership skills and gain mentorship to tackle challenges faced by women in global health leadership. She enjoys outdoor activities with her sons.

Dr. Oluchi Mbamalu, BPharm, MPharm, PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Oluchi is a pharmacist with experience in academia, research, and pharmaceutical service delivery. She holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences and has a strong interest in behavioral research, particularly in advancing patient engagement strategies, with a focus on infection care.

Passionate about addressing inequities in healthcare, Oluchi is eager to establish broader networks with global health leaders. Through this fellowship program, she aims to build on strategies that improve patient and stakeholder engagement in healthcare.

In her free time, Oluchi enjoys reading, cooking and going on road trips to unknown places.

Sue-Ellen Van Niekerk, BSc. PHC, MPH, Dip NM

Sue-Ellen is a healthcare leader with over 15 years of experience in nursing and public health. As Head of Personal Primary Health Care and Programmes for the City of Cape Town, she focuses on strengthening health systems and enhancing service delivery. She holds a Master of Public Health, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health, a Bachelor’s in Primary Health Care, and a Diploma in Nursing Management.

Sue-Ellen is passionate about implementing Quality Improvement Plans to ensure accessible, effective healthcare services. Committed to gender equality in healthcare and mentoring future leaders, she is a Global Health Fellow working to drive systemic change and create equitable healthcare environments.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and exploring new places

Dr. Tanya Zimri, MBChB

Dr. Tanya Zimri, a medical doctor from Saron in the Western Cape of South Africa, currently works at a level 1 hospital in Vredenburg, managing emergency and elective medical and surgical conditions for adults and children. She dedicates much of her time to the hospital while also conducting outreach to ten surrounding clinics.

With the nearest referral hospital two hours away, she ensures patients are stabilized before transfer. Her personal connection to rural life drives her commitment to improving health service delivery in these communities. Honored to be selected for the WGHLF, Tanya aspires to enhance her leadership skills and make meaningful contributions.

Known for her friendliness and humility, she enjoys quality time with family and watching rugby with her husband.

Dr. Vuyi Skiti, BChD, MSc, MPH, MBA, MCom

Vuyi is a healthcare professional who manages the Strategic Information unit at NACOSA. She holds a bachelor’s in dental surgery, Master of Science in dental public health, master’s in public health, an MBA, and a Master of Commerce (MCom) in Health Information Management.

Vuyi is driven by a commitment to improving healthcare access for underserved communities. For 15 years, she has worked in the NGO sector, focusing on implementing and monitoring TB and HIV programs in partnership with the Department of Health.

Vuyi is passionate about developing policy to combat gender-based violence and empower young women towards economic independence. Her advocacy aims to create a world where young women are both protected and empowered.

Outside of her professional work, Vuyi is a wife and mother who enjoys exploring  and visiting wine farms both in South Africa and abroad.

Anjellah Jumah, BSc. in Public Health

Anjellah is a Program Coordinator for several projects within the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Innovations team at AMPATH (Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare) in Western Kenya. She has experience in health research and health care along with training in project management, monitoring and evaluation.

Anjellah has collaborated in evaluating and scaling up the Chamas for Change program, which integrates microfinance, health education and social education. This project has immensely contributed to improving health care in Western Kenya through improving access and utilization of MNCH services by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Anjellah is passionate about contributing towards the elimination of preventable maternal and infant mortality in Africa and is working towards writing grants and scientific writing for academic journals. She enjoys swimming, planning events and executing landscaping projects.

Anne Miatu, Bsc. in Nursing

Anne is a Nursing educator at the Kenya Medical Training College with over 6 years of experience in both clinical practice and nursing education. She is currently undertaking Msc. in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at JKUAT in Kenya.

Previously, Anne worked for 4 years in the Public Health space as a research assistant at the Kenya Medical Research Institute and supported performance management functions at the National Ministry of Health Kenya.

Anne appreciates how public health and nursing intersect in addressing healthcare challenges in Kenya. In pursuing this integration, Anne is passionate about leading and collaborating on research projects that focus on eliminating barriers to primary health care.

Dr Grace Ikahu 

Grace is a medical doctor and public health specialist with over a decade of progressive experience in healthcare management at clinical, management and policy levels. Her work has covered a broad spectrum of assignments in healthcare in health policy, global health diplomacy, health systems strengthening and disease intervention areas at both national and international levels. She has held several positions in the Ministry of Health in Kenya and has worked with international organizations in the implementation of health programs and enhancing development cooperation between governments, donors and non-state actors.

Through the WGHLF she hopes to better contribute to equitable health and leadership by advocating for gender responsive health policies.

In her spare time, Dr. Ikahu enjoys nature and spends time with family.

Dr. Hermes Gichane

Hermes is a medical doctor who is the Program Manager for the Adolescents and Young People’s HIV Prevention Program at the National AIDS and STI Control Program in Kenya. She has developed program guidance documents, improved service quality, and mobilized resources for a multimillion-dollar initiative. With expertise in policy development, program management, and clinical work across various health areas, she is dedicated to improving health systems for all.

Dr. Hermes looks forward to learning more about gender analysis, mentorship, advocacy and knowledge translation through the WGHLF fellowship.

In addition to her professional commitments, she leads Kaizen Femme Investments, a women’s investment group. She values family time and networking.

Dr. Sheillah Simiyu, PhD. in Public and Development Management

Sheillah is a Research Scientist at the African Population and Health Research Center in Nairobi, Kenya. Her academic background includes environmental studies, community development and public health. Sheillah leads and collaborates in research studies focussing on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and the link to public health.

She is passionate about the effects of inadequate WASH, and the resultant impact on global health, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic. She therefore hopes to work closely with decision makers in identifying and implementing relevant solutions to global health challenges.

In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and exploring new places.

Rachel Ngugi, MPH.

Rachel works a Senior Nursing Officer for the County Government of Makueni in Kenya. She also works as an external lecturer for the Kenya Medical Training College.

Previously, she was a nurse and a lecturer at The Presbyterian University of East Africa and a Project Officer for The Global Fund TB program.

Rachel is passionate about gender equity and wants to improve the lives of adolescent girls to help them achieve a high standard of physical, mental and reproductive health.

In her spare time, she enjoys travelling and spending time with her family.

Nonhlanhla (Anda) Nkosi, MBA.

Nonhlanhla is the Chief Director-Strategy in the Department of Health and Wellness in the Western Cape, South Africa. She is a trained accountant with 15 years’ experience in the public service, mostly in finance and strategy.

In her spare time, she is involved with various international faith-based organizations that focus on women empowerment and anti-gender-based violence programmes.

Anda is interested in establishing connections and networking with global women leaders in healthcare to share experiences and strategies to address health inequities which impede efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage.

Charlyn Goliath, MA. in Occupational Therapy.

Charlyn is the CEO of a public psychiatric hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa. Some of her career highlights include establishing the Interprofessional Teaching and Learning platform at Stellenbosch University; developing strategies for re-organsing Primary Health Care in the Cape Metro; and strengthening innovation as a key driver in the public health sector.

Charlyn also has experience working in the non-profit and academic sector. During this period, her work in health systems and services research grew her interest in global health.

Charlyn is excited about being part of a great network of thought leaders and looks forward to meeting others to learn, network and mentor on issues of global health.

Khanyisa Jacobs, BA. in Advanced Midwifery.

Khanyisa is a Facility Manager in the Khayelitsha Health Services District in Cape Town, South Africa. She is skilled in project management, leadership, innovation, and transformation.

Her personal experience in becoming a mother taught her valuable lessons she has carried forward in her work with pregnant women. To this end, Ms. Jacobs has piloted a Patient Centered Maternity Care Code Project in three Maternity Units of Khayelitsha. The code addresses UBUNTU, a spirit of humanity amongst women, with the aim of improving quality care in all midwifery-led units.

Her ultimate goal is to ensure that all women receive the maternal care they deserve despite their income or background.

Dr. Nontuthuko Khumalo

Nontuthuko is a medical doctor who works as a Manager of Medical Services at a central hospital in the Department of Health and Wellness, Western Cape South Africa. Dr Khumalo also holds a postgraduate diploma in HIV Management.

Dr Khumalo has navigated the private and public healthcare space with the goal of improving quality of care for the patients. With a keen interest in policy implementation and innovation, her goal of quality healthcare for all has become her biggest motivator.

Through the WGLHF fellowship, Dr Khumalo hopes to further improve her leadership and global health skill set.

In her spare time, she likes to cook, spend time with family and travel.

Dr. Tumelo Assegaai, PhD. in Public Health

Tumelo is a lecturer in the School of Public Health at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa. Her interests are in advancing health systems through teaching and research and improving the performance of community health worker programmes.

Tumelo has also held roles as a Technical Advisor at the Health System Trust and Researcher at the University of the Western Cape and UCT.

Her conference presentations and publications are in the areas of community health worker programmes and community-based strategies for prevention of non-communicable diseases.

She is passionate about women economic and social development with particular interest in getting young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds into tertiary education.

She loves the outdoors and exploring food across cultures.

Nonkululeko Mtolo, BSc. in Audiology

Nonkululeko is a practicing Audiologist and Coordinator of Audiology Services in the Garden Route and Central Karoo districts in Western Cape, South Africa. She has a passion for rural health in the public sector and hopes to facilitate advocacy and awareness for disabilities that are not immediately apparent.

As part of her role, she offers training to colleagues on prevention, service promotion and direct consultation with clients for their hearing care needs.

She hopes to improve access to early identification of hearing loss in young children in the districts and further her education with a focus on disability studies.

In her spare time, she enjoys walks and online window shopping.