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Meet The Speakers
Cabinet Secretary of Health, Kenya
Dr Debra Mulongo Barasa
Dr Barasa is the Cabinet Secretary of Health in the current Cabinet of Kenya. She has over 15 years’ field experience as a senior officer with progression to an internal medicine physician and technical advisor having worked in health institutions at national, referral, private and community based levels.
Prior to becoming Cabinet Secretary of Health, she was an infectious diseases consultant at the World Health Organization, based in Nairobi.
Minister of State for Health and Social, Nigeria
Dr. Iziaq Salako
Dr Salako is a Public Health Physician with a Masters degree in public health, a health activist, politician, environmentalist, public analyst & community mobilizer. He is on the final stage of a PhD. programme in Public Health specializing in Health Policy and Management.
He has worked in many institutions and sat on the board of several companies, including Klasik Healthtech and Pharma Nigeria Ltd and NextLevel Health and Care Ltd. He is a member of the advisory board of Quality Management Development Institute.
In 2020, he was appointed as the Chairman, Ogun Hospitals Management Board, where he made his mark through renovation of selected general hospitals, equipment updates, staff recruitment, human capacity development and the introduction of quarterly HMB bulletin.
He was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in August 2023 as the Minister of State for Environment, becoming the first minister from Ogun West Senatorial District since the inception of the current democratic dispensation in 1999.
He was the Chair of the Ministerial Alliance for Ambition on Nature Finance, an alliance launched at COP28 in Dubai with a current membership of 12 countries. He was also the joint Chair of the Alliance Against Overexploitation, a member of the steering committee of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, a global intergovernmental group of more than 115 countries and also a National Champion for Climate Change and Health.
Dr. Iziaq Salako is the current Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, a position he assumed in October, 2024.
Malawi Minister of Health
Hon. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda MP
Hon. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, MP is a seasoned politician who is serving as Member of Parliament for Kasungu South East Constituency for a second term. She is currently the Minister of Health.
Hon. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda MP is also a proficient manager who has worked in several reputable organisations like Ministry of Health as a Biochemist from 1991 to 1993, and Malawi Pharmacies Ltd as Pharmacist Manager 1996 to 2001. She also served as board member of Pharmacy Medicine and Poisons Board 2004 to 2006, Board Member City Pharmacies LTD 2001 to 2020. Hon. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda is also a trained Inspector in World Health Organization Current Good Manufacturing Practices. Hon Chiponda is also a Board Member of Kamuzu International Academy since 2013, Organising Secretary for ruling Malawi Congress Party and she is also Ardent Farmer.
She holds a Bachelor of Science, majors Biology and Chemistry, graduated in 1991 from Chancellor College and Bachelor in Pharmacy graduated in 1996 from University of Western Cape, Cape Town in South Africa.
Permanent Secretary, Zambia
Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi
Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi is a distinguished oncologist, healthcare administrator, and policymaker in Zambia. He currently serves as the Permanent Secretary for Technical Services at the Ministry of Health of Zambia, where he plays a key role in overseeing national health programs, policy implementation, and technical service delivery across the healthcare sector.
As Permanent Secretary, Dr. Lishimpi has been instrumental in strengthening Zambia’s health system, ensuring the effective delivery of essential health services, and addressing public health challenges such as maternal, child health, cancer control, infectious disease management, and emerging health threats. He has led policy development, resource mobilization, and health infrastructure expansion, contributing significantly to the advancement of universal health coverage in Zambia.
Head of Arm’s Length Bodies’ (ALBs) International Engagement and Bilateral Engagement Team Leader for Oceania in the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Dr Fatima Wurie
Dr Fatima Wurie is a public health specialist with a long-standing background in tackling health inequalities spanning a series of roles in academia, Public Health England and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), including as part of the national COVID-19 enhanced incident response. She is DHSC’s departmental lead for languages, building DHSC’s approach to the UK government’s languages agenda, in collaboration with NHS England and UKHSA. In this capacity Dr Wurie is working alongside DHSC’s Champion for Languages Professor Kevin Fenton CBE, Regional Director for London, in DHSC’s Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID).
Global Health Correspondent
Tulip Mazumdar
Tulip Mazumdar is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster with over two decades of reporting experience.
As the BBC’s first Global Health Correspondent, she has reported from the frontlines of major disease outbreaks, leading international coverage of the West Africa Ebola epidemic. She has closely tracked the rise of emerging viruses, reporting on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome from Saudi Arabia, the Zika outbreak in the Americas, and the global response to Covid-19. Her investigations have examined the origins of the pandemic, vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, and ways to improve maternal health worldwide.
Tulip’s work shines a light on underreported health issues, with a particular focus on women’s health and community-led, low-cost solutions. She has covered female genital mutilation in the UK and Africa and has played an important role in opening up international conversations on baby loss.
Director of Health Workforce, WHO
Jim Campbell
Jim Campbell is the Director of the Health Workforce Department at the World Health Organization in Geneva. He oversees the development and implementation of global public goods, evidence and tools to inform investment in the education, employment and retention of the health and care workforce in pursuit of global health security, universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. His portfolio includes measuring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and care workforce, implementation of WHO’s Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health: Workforce 2030, and support to countries within the Working for Health action plan to implement the recommendations of the UN High-Level Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth. He coordinates the Global Health Workforce Network engaging member states and all relevant partners in WHO’s work, with special focus on the contributions, rights and roles of women and youth in the health and care sector. He has published extensively, is a member of the Editorial Board of the Human Resources for Health Journal and provides advisory inputs to multi-sectoral programmes on COVID-19 recovery, social spending, education and employment.
COO and Deputy CEO, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Lisa Kelly
Lisa is Chief Operating Officer and executive lead for the NUH-Jimma Health Partnership Link with the University Hospital in southern Ethiopia. Lisa also holds the Emergency Planning Officer (EPO) role.
Lisa graduated from the University of Manchester with a degree in Geography before joining the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme in 2008, in the East Midlands region. She completed her Masters in Health & Public Leadership from Birmingham’s HSMC in 2011 and has carried out a variety of operational management roles – predominantly in the acute hospital sector.
Lisa is passionate about improving access to quality healthcare globally, having written her dissertation on the NHS’ role in engaging in global health. Lisa has also supported the development of leadership skills in Zambia, Rwanda and Somaliland and undertaken a secondment working with the Tropical Health Education Trust.
Outside of work, Lisa enjoys travel, paddle-boarding, playing netball and occasionally treads the boards on stage.
Ghanaian Health Promotion / Communication Expert, Midwife, Nurse
Dr Jemima Dennis-Antwi
Dr. Dennis-Antwi is a multi-skilled Ghanaian Health Promotion/Communication Expert, Midwife and Nurse with over 33 years cumulative experience locally and globally; having managed collaborative projects and programmes through public service, development work and independent consultancies in maternal and newborn health/midwifery, nursing, health systems strengthening, health systems administration and research. She has held various leadership positions in collaborative and consultancy roles.
Starting in 1989 as a Nursing Officer at the clinical milieu of Ridge Hospital-Accra. she was seconded to the Health Education Unit of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly in 1991 as the first Ghanaian to continue the development of the Kumasi Health Education Unit culminating into a formidable national entity called the National Health Learning Materials Centre of the Ministry of Health. With a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing with Psychology-Legon-GH; Master’s qualification from University of Edinburgh-UK (1991), she pursued her PhD studies at De Montfort University-Leicester-UK(2003-2008) and branched into international development work serving with organisations such as Partnerships for Transforming Health Systems-Nigeria; American College of Nurse-Midwives-USA; Population Council-Ghana as well as working as a technical resource person, collaborator or consultant to myriad international organisations nationally and globally including the UN (UNFPA Ghana, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Libya, ESARO) WHO-Geneva, UNICEF, UN WOMEN), Sick-Kids-Canada, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, World Vision-Ghana, Catholic Relief Services, BASICS-GH-USAID, Jhpiego-GH etc. Overall, she has had professional exposure to over 42 countries worldwide and is a global technical speaker.
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Dr Isioma Okolo
Dr. Isioma Okolo is a UK-trained Nigerian Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, a Harvard graduate, and a passionate global health advocate committed to addressing healthcare inequalities both within and between countries. With over 13 years of comprehensive expertise spanning clinical care, research, medical education, public health, and global health policy, she has a proven record of leadership and strategic planning aimed at improving global health systems.
Having worked across four continents—Africa, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East—Dr. Okolo’s experience bridges low-, middle-, and high-income settings. She has successfully led initiatives to improve health outcomes in resource-limited environments, combining her expertise in clinical practice with cutting-edge research and a deep understanding of the complexities of global health disparities. Her extensive international exposure makes her a driving force in building more equitable healthcare systems worldwide.
As a trustee of Global Health Partnerships (formerly THET), Dr. Okolo continues her mission to champion global health equity, leveraging her unique insights and expertise to develop impactful solutions that address healthcare access, delivery, and quality for underserved populations.
Technical Director, Health Systems Strengthening
Margaret Caffrey
Margaret joined Global Health Partnerships (Formerly THET) in 2023. She is a highly experienced health workforce (HWF) and health systems (HS) specialist, with over 20 years’ experience in the design, delivery and evaluation of HWF and HS programmes, and related research across Africa and Asia. She has provided technical leadership and assistance in health systems strengthening, and health workforce policy, planning, management and development, working in partnership with global and country stakeholders, including government ministries and agencies, health education providers, health workers, civil society and communities, and donors and development partners. She has led and facilitated reviews and evaluations of health systems and health workforce policies, programmes and interventions, using mixed methods research approaches and evaluation methodologies.
She also has expertise in the design and delivery of health workforce and health systems capacity development interventions, particularly in the areas of HWF governance and leadership. At GHP, in her role as Technical Director, Health Systems Strengthening, Margaret provides technical leadership for the Global Health Workforce Programme and other GHP programmes.
Chief Pharmaceutical Officer's Global Health Fellow
Edwin Panford-Quainoo
Edwin Panford-Quainoo has substantial management experience and has worked across community, hospital and industry sectors. He is a Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Global Health Fellow who has worked as a pharmacist in Australia, Ghana as well as the UK. Edwin holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy, Master of Public Health and is currently undertaking his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Global Health at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, where he is also part of the teaching staff on the MSc Global Health Programme.
He has been part of the Faculty of Public Health (UK) and Ghana Public Health Association CwPAMS partnership since its inception in 2019.
Deputy Director for Health Security, UK DHSC
Penny Walker-Robertson
Penny Walker-Robertson is the Deputy Director for Global Health Security at the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). Penny has spent her career in global heath and global health security as a health adviser and diplomat for the UK government at both the Department for International Development (DFID - now Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office), DHSC and the UK Health Security Agency. She has experience in outbreak response; working with DFID on the Ebola response, with the DHSC setting up the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team and as Deputy Director in the C19 response. She worked closely with Dame Sally Davies from 2015 to set up the £265m Fleming Fund, to tackle AMR globally. In 2019 she was deployed as Head of Health and Education for DFID Sierra Leone, and technical adviser delivering the £150 million Saving Lives programme focused on improving maternal and child health. She has an executive fellowship in global health leadership from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and is currently a Cambridge University Policy Fellow exploring the use of AI in donor coordination models for macro themes, such as AMR, in LMICs.
Founding Director/President KENMA-UK
Sally Nyinza
With over two decades of nursing experience, Sally has honed her expertise in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), making a significant impact in the field. Her IPC journey began as a response to the growing need for effective infection control measures in healthcare settings. Over the years, she has worked diligently to develop, implement, and oversee IPC protocols, ensuring the safety of patients, healthcare workers, and communities. As an IPC Nurse with the UK’s National IPC team, she plays a vital role in influencing national policy, working alongside senior specialists to create IPC strategies that address both routine and crisis scenarios, including the global challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
She is the Founding Director and President of the Kenyan Nurses and Midwives Association UK (KENMA-UK). Through KENMA-UK, she has helped create a platform where nurses, midwives, and students can connect, share resources, and access professional development opportunities.
Sally is deeply committed to community service as well and leads an initiative to help Kenyans integrate into life in the UK. From assisting with settling in to preventing social isolation and connecting individuals to essential services. Additionally, she acts as a liaison with the Kenya High Commission, ensuring that the community’s needs are addressed, and their voices are heard.
Chairperson of the Ghana Nurses Association UK
Josephina Ababio
Mrs. Josephina Ababio is a visionary nursing leader and entrepreneur with over 30 years of NHS experience. Rising from her early days as a general nurse to specialized roles in district nursing and ultimately serving as a modern matron in community services, she has consistently demonstrated transformative leadership. Her pioneering initiatives—such as unifying day and evening shifts into one cohesive team—have not only enhanced operational efficiency but also set new benchmarks in patient care and staff development. Throughout her career, she has been a champion for junior staff, mentoring numerous nurses who have advanced into leadership roles, and proving her commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Now, as Chairperson of the Ghana Nurses Association UK, Mrs. Ababio leverages her extensive clinical expertise and innovative management skills to drive digital transformation, forge international partnerships, and expand welfare support for nurses and midwives in both the UK and Ghana. Her strategic leadership has led to the successful execution of global health partnership projects, the advancement of scholarship programs, and proactive engagement in critical health promotion initiatives. By empowering members and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, she remains at the forefront of shaping a sustainable future for healthcare
Chief Executive Officer of the NCD Alliance
Katie Dain
Katie Dain is Chief Executive Officer of the NCD Alliance, a global network of civil society organisations dedicated to transforming the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Katie has worked with the NCD Alliance since its founding in 2009.
Katie is widely recognised as a leading advocate and expert on NCDs. Katie co-chairs the WHO Civil Society Working Group on NCDs, and has served as a commissioner on the WHO Independent High Level Commission on NCDs, The Lancet Commission on NCDIs of the Poorest Billion, The Lancet Commission on Global Oral Health, and The Rockefeller-Boston University Commission on Health Determinants, Data and Decision-making (3-D Commission). Katie is also a member of the Steering Committee for the Coalition for Access to NCD Medicines and Products.
Her experience covers a range of sustainable development issues, including global health, gender equality and women’s empowerment, violence against women, and women’s health. Before joining the NCD Alliance, she held a series of policy and advocacy posts in international NGOs and government, including the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in Brussels, leading their global policy and advocacy programme; the UK Government as a gender policy adviser; Womankind Worldwide, a women’s rights organisation; and the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), a HIV and sexual health charity.
WHO Expert Advisory Group Member
Dr Titilola Banjoko
Dr Titilola Banjoko is an Executive Director in the NHS. She has a clinical background. She is a Trustee at Global Health Partnerships (formerly THET), Chair of the International Rescue Committee, UK, Chair of the Board for the Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development (FORWARD) and a member of the World Health Organisation, Expert Advisory Group on the Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel
She previously served on the Royal African Society; the European Commission –United Nations Joint Migration and Development Initiative, the Global Poverty Action Fund Advisory Board and the World Health Organisation’s Health Worker Global Policy Advisory Council. She was also a Senior Research Associate at the UK’s Foreign Policy Centre and board of the Commonwealth Business Women’s Forum. She is passionate about supporting and giving a voice to the voiceless and serving humanitarian causes.
Acting President, Royal College of Physicians
Dr Mumtaz Patel
Dr Mumtaz Patel is currently performing the duties of RCP president and will chair meetings of Council until an election can be held. She is also acting as chair of the Board of Trustees until a new lay chair is appointed.
Dr Mumtaz Patel is a consultant nephrologist based in Manchester, who brings a range of experience and skills to the role.
She is currently postgraduate associate dean for NHS England, is a director for conduct and progress at the School of Medicine at the University of Liverpool and has recently completed her three year term as RCP global vice president. Mumtaz has also worked as an RCP regional adviser for training, and clinical lead for quality management for the JRCPTB.
As RCP global vice president, she developed the global strategy, which has made a significant impact on our membership growth over the past two years, increased diversity and established strong networks. She also launched a global women leaders programme, which empowers female physicians to advance into leadership roles.
Public Health Specialist
Dorcas Gwata
Dorcas is a front line mental health nurse in the NHS and Diaspora Global Health Consultant with Global Health Partnerships, (formally THET) she has extensive experience in working in global health partnerships with focus on Africa and Asia. Dorcas has worked with young people and families affected by gang culture in London, a project that extrapolates research lessons from low income countries to high income countries, she has worked on the Zimbabwean Friendship Bench Project and she has extensive experience working in East Africa and Asia.
Her ability to live in and for different cultural realities allows Dorcas to import new innovative knowledge also in the UK were mental and physical health issues display similar challenges such as economic constraints and vulnerable population, with focus on gender violence, mental health, and trauma.
Advanced Epidemiological Scientist at Public Health Wales
Israa Mohammed
Israa works as an Advanced Epidemiological Scientist at Public Health Wales, where she supports routine surveillance and outbreak investigations. She holds a first-level university degree in pharmacy, along with two master’s degrees: one in Clinical Pharmacy from University of Khartoum and another in Public Health for Development from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Her professional journey spans over eight years, and includes four years in Sudan and four years in the UK. Her foundational pharmacy training unfolded in Sudan, where she practiced as a hospital pharmacist. Throughout this period, Israa actively engaged in health education and promotion initiatives within academia and NGO settings. Her contributions extended from supporting maternity units to participating in research projects, and producing a series of radio episodes addressing the rational use of antibiotics.
Passionate about global health, Israa has a particular interest in tackling infectious diseases in low, middle and high-income countries. She is Co-Chair of Global Health Partnerships Cymru, working to strengthen NHS Wales’s involvement in global health and contribute to Wales’ role as a globally responsible nation.
President of Global Health and Swiss Country Affairs
Dr. Lutz Hegemann
Dr. Lutz Hegemann is President of Global Health and Swiss Country Affairs. The Global Health unit focuses on transforming healthcare in low- and middle-income countries by broadening inclusive access to innovative medicines. Under his leadership, Novartis Global Health drives programs targeting malaria, neglected tropical diseases, and non-communicable diseases such as sickle cell disease and cardiovascular disease. He also oversees Novartis’ presence in sub-Saharan Africa. Lutz also represents the company both at home in Switzerland and internationally, building strategic partnerships across public and private sectors to advance inclusive global health innovation.
Lutz joined Novartis in 2005 in the Consumer Health Division and has held roles across Research & Development, Commercialization, General Management, and Corporate Affairs. He began his career as a public health physician and scientist.
Lutz is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Tropical Medicine & Hygiene and serves on several boards, including the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and PATH.
Chief Executive Officer, BHRUT
Matthew Trainer
Matthew is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BHRUT and joined our Trust in August 2021. He was the Health Services Journal CEO of the year for 2024, recognising the progress BHRUT has made under his leadership. The Trust delivered the most improved A&E performance in England in 2023/24 and left ‘special measures’ in May 2024.
Before joining us, Matthew worked for three years as CEO of Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, which provides a wide range of mental health and community health care in south east London and parts of Kent.
In 2016, he worked for King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, where he was managing director of the Princess Royal University Hospital in Bromley. Matthew has also held senior positions at NHS England, the Care Quality Commission, and the MS Society.
MBBS, FCP(SA), FCP (ECSA), MMED (Internal Medicine), FRCP (London)
Dr Tamara Phiri
Dr Tamara Phiri is a consultant and specialist physician at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and senior clinical lecturer at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in Malawi.
She is Registrar of the East Central and Southern Africa College of Physicians overseeing operations of the college and specialist physician training in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
She is the immediate past president of the Malawi College of Physicians. She is a visiting lecturer at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital Dusseldorf, and Bernard Institute for Tropical Medicine in Germany, and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. She holds appointments as external examiner for the University of Botswana and the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe.
In addition to peer reviewed journal publications, she is a contributor to various national guidelines and is co-editor for multiple editions of The Clinical Handbook – a popular handbook for medical students and junior doctors in Malawi.
She has been recognized by Stanford University of School of Medicine as one of Stanford University’s Global African Scholars. Through this award, she holds a visiting instructor role at Stanford University and is a recipient of a grant enabling her to carry out research for quality improvement in Malawi.
The president of Malawi – Dr Lazarus Chakwera - awarded her a Presidential Award for excellence and outstanding service in the Malawian health sector.
Chief Executive Officer, Global Health Partnerships (Formerly THET)
Ben Simms
Ben has been CEO of the Global Health Partnerships (Formerly THET) since 2015. He has 30 years’ experience of working internationally, with an emphasis on global health and disability work. He has worked extensively across Africa, Europe, Latin America and Asia during this time, harnessing expertise from across the UK health community, in the NHS and in specialist medical charities such as Sue Ryder and Sense, to benefit the development of health and social care in low and middle-income countries. For the last fifteen years he has been in leadership roles, building a strong track-record in advocacy and programme innovation, and working closely with UK Government departments and UN agencies. His knowledge of the INGO sector is further informed by periods chairing BOND Working Groups and taking active roles in health networks such as STOPAIDS, the network he directed from 2010 to 2015. Ben has led an active voluntary life in the UK throughout this time, serving as a Councillor and acting as a Trustee of several charities. He became a Fellow of the RSA in 2019 and is a member of the BBC Charity Appeals Advisory Committee. Ben has an MSc in Development Management from the Open University and an MA in History from Edinburgh University.
Ben leads an organisation that is pioneering a health partnership approach to the training of health workers across 30 countries in Africa and Asia. Health partnerships harness the skills of staff from the UK National Health Service in ways which bring mutual benefit to all involved, a vision of co-development that speaks to the new era of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Director Corporate Affairs
Middle East & Africa Business Unit
Fahad Qadir
Fahad currently holds the position of Director Corporate Affairs for Haleon’s Middle East & Africa Business Unit, overseeing a diverse portfolio of 46+ markets.
A seasoned global corporate affairs and communications leader, Fahad possess over 17 years of experience in cultivating and safeguarding the reputations of some of the world's most recognized brands. He has held senior roles at Meta (formerly Facebook) and The Coca-Cola Company, where he led teams across multiple continents. His expertise encompasses crafting and executing high-impact campaigns across diverse markets, including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and APAC.
Fahad is currently working as the Director of Corporate Affairs for the Middle East & Africa Business Unit at Haleon, a global frontrunner in consumer healthcare. In this capacity, he spearheads corporate affairs across 46+ markets, providing strategic direction and overseeing impactful campaigns that advance Haleon's business objectives and reputation throughout the region.
Fahad’s contributions to the field have been recognized through accolades such as Campaign Asia Pacific's prestigious 40U40 award and membership in the esteemed Forbes Communications Council. He was conferred with Responsible Business Partner Award by Rotary International at the UN Headquarters, New York.
Fahad holds an Executive MBA degree from University of London and dual Bachelor’s degrees in journalism, Computer Sciences & Business Communications.
Director of Programmes
Richard Skone James
Richard joined Global Health Partnerships (Formerly THET) in November 2014 as Grants Officer. He has a Masters degree in International Development from the University of Edinburgh. Prior to working with THET, he spent two years in Nairobi initiating a refugee education programme, and he previously worked in fundraising and communications for London-based NGOs.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Louise McGrath
Louise is an experienced manager of international development programmes and organisations with specific thematic expertise in health and social development and on policy influence. Louise has geographic experience across Africa, Asia and Latin America and spent 12 years living and working in Brazil.
During her professional career working for a range of international health and development organisations, including NGOs and research institutes, Louise has developed a strong track-record in partnerships, programme design and management, capacity development and the generation and use of evidence to inform policy making and practice.
Originally trained as a nurse, Louise has a BSc in Philosophy and Sociology and an MSc in Environmental and Development Education.
Diaspora Engagement Advisor
Moses Wasswa Mulimira
Moses is on a secondment from NHS England where he has been working as a global health Project Manager.
During his professional career, Moses has worked in mental health services with East London NHS Foundation Trust where he is currently volunteering as vice chairperson of East London NHS – Butabika ( Uganda) international health link . Moses has co-founded the Uganda Diaspora Health Foundation and UK East African Health Summit with strategic aim empowering the diaspora voice in global health .
Moses has a BSc in Health Psychology, Masters in Public Health (Addictions) from Kings’ College London and a Post Graduate in Health Research from Oxford University . At Global Health Partnerships (Formerly THET), in his role as Diaspora Engagement Advisor, Moses leads on Experts in our Midst / Voices diaspora programmes and the wider diaspora engagement activities .
Associate Director, Workforce Strategy and Planning, West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board
Jonathan Brown
Jonathan is passionate about Global workforce development and the opportunities for population health and wellbeing brought about by collaborating for mutual benefits. In his current role he leads the Global Partnerships team and is striving to support the West Yorkshire health system to be a good global citizen through its global partnerships.. .
(He has worked within the NHS for 20 years undertaking various strategic workforce roles, including Chief Operating Officer for the Global Engagement Directorate in Health Education England. Since then, Jonathan has taken learning from his National role and applied it in the West Yorkshire Integrated Care System. He is a Chartered Manager and Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.)
Associate Director, Workforce Strategy and Planning, West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board
Tara Tancred
Tara Tancred is a consultant Senior Lecturer at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. She has a PhD in public health and is a social scientist with more than 15 years of research experience. Her expertise is in implementation research and appreciating how improved quality of care and people-centredness can be routinely operationalised. She has a particular interest in capacity strengthening of the health and care workforce.
Tara Tancred is a consultant Senior Lecturer at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. She has a PhD in public health and is a social scientist with more than 15 years of research experience. Her expertise is in implementation research and appreciating how improved quality of care and people-centredness can be routinely operationalised. She has a particular interest in capacity strengthening of the health and care workforce.
Chair and Trustee
Dame Donna Kinnair
Donna is the Chair of Runnymede Trust, Trustee of the Burdett Trust for Nursing. She is a Non-Executive Director at East London Foundation Trust and The Royal Free Hospitals London. She advises on health policy and health issues to a number of organisations, including Global Health Partnerships and private health related organisations. She was a former Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) during Covid19, advocating for the profession. She has extensive NHS Experience with Director responsibilities for delivering strategy, formulating policy and promoting good health and care practice both across the UK and internationally. She has worked in many aspects of healthcare provision as a clinical leader, teacher, commissioner and deliverer of operational services.
Donna served as nurse/child health assessor to the Victoria Climbié Inquiry and advised the Prime Minister’s Commission on the future of Nursing and Midwifery in 2010. She has sat on Better Births Improving Outcomes of Maternity Services in England in 2016. She was made a DBE in 2008 for services to nursing.
Doctor, politician and Chairperson Parliamentary Forum on Antimicrobial Resistance (PF-AMR
Hon. Dr. Charles Ayume
Hon. Dr. Charles Ayume, is a Ugandan medical doctor and politician. He is a member of the Ugandan Parliament representing Koboko Municipality. He is Currently the Chairperson of the Committee of Health of Parliament of Uganda. The Health committee plays a key role in promoting health and health equity through representative, legislative and oversight roles, including budget oversight.
Dr Ayume is a strong health advocate and has called for action across sectors and society to mitigate the impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during his recent global health policy engagement in UK and in Uganda.
National Clinical Expert, Occupational Health and Wellbeing, NHSE
Dr Shriti Pattani OBE
Dr Shriti Pattani is the National Clinical Expert in Occupational Health and Wellbeing for NHS England. She is also the Clinical Director and head of service for Occupational Health and Wellbeing in an acute Trust in London. She has also worked as a GP for 25 years in the NHS and is the immediate past president of the Society of Occupational Medicine. She is passionate about education and training and is the course director for the diploma course in occupational medicine for the Royal Society for Public Health and is an honorary senior lecture for Imperial College. Dr Pattani’s expertise is ‘health of healthcare workers’ and she is passionate about providing access to occupational health and safety services for all people of working age. She is the Global Health & Work Clinical Advisor (Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing), with the NHSE Global team. She is an external subject matter expert to WHO and part of the external technical advisory group to development of a joint WHO/ILO global policy brief on enhancing safety, health, and wellbeing in the workplace. She was awarded an OBE in the 2024 Kings New Years Honours list for her services to Occupational Medicine
Director Public Private Partnership/Diaspora in the Federal Ministry of Health Abuja.
Dr Nwakaego Chukwukaodinaka MBBS, MPH, FMCPath
She has worked in the Public Health Sphere for over 18years. She has worked in different departments where she held some leadership roles and also been involved in the activities of Global Health Partnership in Nigeria.
She was the immediate past Head of Health System Strengthening where she championed the production and launch of the Health workforce migration policy for the country. She was also the Chairperson of the National Oversight Mechanism overseeing the 14 grants awarded to Nigerian health partnership to boost and improve Health workforce capacity in country following the massive exodus noticed in the recent past years.
She has also lead the HIV Prevention, Treatment care and support components of the HIV /Hepatitis program in the country where she pioneered the Differentiate HIV Service delivery which has exploded with intergration of HIV management into other health care delivery like NCDs, mental health etc.
She was part of the team the developed the supply chain management system for the AIDS, TB and Malaria programs.
She is also a fellow in Pathology majoring in Heamatology. She also holds an MPH from University of South Africa, Pretoria.
She loves to explore new grounds having travelling as a hobby.
Research Associate at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Motto Nganda
Motto Nganda is a Research Associate at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM). He is a Medical Doctor and holds a Master’s in International Public Health. Motto is a diaspora health worker of Cameroonian heritage.
Motto has eight years’ experience in health systems research, where he applies implementation research approaches using qualitative and participatory health research methods. He works with communities and health systems actors to co-produce context-specific and sustainable solutions/strategies to strengthen health systems, the health workforce and people-centred approaches to health service and healthcare delivery.
At LSTM, Motto led a project aimed at strengthening links with LSTM’s diaspora community living in the Liverpool metropolitan area, which entailed knowledge exchange and networking with communities from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Cameroon and Kenya.
Motto co-led the Research Study, entitled, “Improving diaspora engagement for health workforce and health systems strengthening in Kenya, Ghana, and the UK” which aims to better understand how diaspora health workers contribute to global health systems strengthening and how this may be supported more effectively. The study is being conducted in partnership with LVCT Health, a non-governmental organisation based in Nairobi, Kenya under the Global Health Partnerships (formerly THET) DHSC-funded Global Health Workforce (#GHWP) in collaboration with the health systems of Kenya and Ghana.
Paediatrician
Sara Ibrahim ABDELGALIL
(MBBS, MRCPCH, FRCPCH, MtropPaed, DTCH)
Sara is a Sudanese British paediatrician working as the lead for paediatric allergy in Norfolk. She completed her high specialty training in general paediatrics and immunology, allergy, infectious diseases. She is a fellow at the royal college of paediatrics and child health.
Sara completed her master's degree in tropical paediatrics and child health with distinction and prize from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. She worked with refugees’ families in UK, street children in Brazil, and orphanages in Sudan.
Born and raised in Sudan, Sara obtained her MBBS from the University of Khartoum with distinction and Lord Kitchener’s prize.
Sara is an active member of the medical diaspora in UK, contributed to supporting medical education in conflict zones in Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan. She was the president of Sudan Doctors’ Union - UK during the Covid-19 pandemic and established the transnational Sudanese medical diaspora coalition.
Sara volunteered in the technical working group in Africa CDC as member of the African diaspora team support during Covid-19 pandemic. She is registered as a diaspora engagement expert by the EU diaspora forum.
In 2023, following the eruption of the war in Sudan, Sara led a successful coordination unit for humanitarian response, the Sudan crisis coordination unit. This unit demonstrated localisation in action and was nationally recognised in UK.
Sara is a founder and member of several diaspora organisations and initiatives in UK and transnationally. e.g. GPO, SWP UK, BSAPCH, SDfHR, SPAN.
Currently, Sara is active in few projects:
Academy of medical education during conflicts, supporting undergraduate and postgraduate learning in emergency care to enhance the humanitarian response to local communities, displaced populations, and refugees.
Telemedicine clinic, via meta platform, to improve health access to free virtual clinics,
Sara is working with colleagues to support diaspora organisations in UK to achieve recognition and obtain funds for projects in different parts of Sudan in areas of health, protection, wash and food security.
Registered Nurse and Thought Leadership
Charity Gladstone MBE
Charity is a dynamic and results-driven healthcare leader with a passion for improving health outcomes, reducing inequalities, and fostering leadership in nursing and midwifery. With a distinguished career spanning clinical practice, strategic leadership, and policy advocacy, she has successfully driven transformational change in the UK and internationally.
A highly skilled Registered Nurse (Registered Midwife – Malawi), Charity has extensive experience in both acute and primary healthcare settings. She has a proven track record of leading high-impact projects, shaping healthcare policies, and delivering innovative solutions that tackle systemic disparities. Her commitment to addressing health inequalities through community engagement has significantly improved healthcare access for underrepresented populations.
Her leadership, advocacy, and dedication to driving change were further recognized when she was named one of the Inspiring Women in Cornwall, celebrating her impactful contributions to healthcare, community service, and diversity in leadership.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to healthcare, Charity was also awarded an MBE for services to Nursing in 2023.
Psychotherapist, Mental Health Nurse and co-founder of UDHF
Mariam Aligawesa
Mariam Aligawesa is an Accredited Systemic and Family Psychotherapist and a Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) with 18 years of clinical and leadership experience. She works within a holistic, non-oppressive, anti-discriminatory, and anti-colonial therapeutic framework, advocating for mental health and the reduction of health inequalities. She co-hosts a podcast on how to do this therapeutically ‘unconventionally systemic’. Since September 2023, Mariam has served as a Systemic and Family Psychotherapist within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Prior to this, she held various roles, including Lead CAMHS Crisis Nurse Practitioner (2018-2023), operational team manager in a community mental health assessment team (2017-2018), and A&E Psychiatric Liaison Nurse, Crisis Triage Nurse, and intensive care services nurse (2007-2023).
In 2010, Mariam embarked on a global health journey, co-completing an MSc in Medical Anthropology at University College London in 2012. Her research, which explored the integration of traditional healing systems with biomedical approaches in Ugandan mental health services, involved ethnographic fieldwork with traditional healers and mental health units across Uganda.
A leader in global health, Mariam co-founded the Uganda Diaspora Health Foundation (UDHF) in 2011. Since its inception, the UDHF has flourished and founded the first annual UK-Uganda Health Summit in London in April 2016, Uganda-UK Health Summit (2016-2017), which later evolved into the East Africa Health Summit (2018, 2019, 2021) to now UK-Africa Health Summit since 2022.
Her extensive global experience includes hands-on work in Uganda and Somaliland through initiatives like the Butabika East London Link and King’s Global Health Partnerships, where she has played a key role in mental health program development and leadership.
Antimicrobial Resistance Technical Lead
Claire Brandish
Claire Brandish is the Antimicrobial Resistance Technical Lead for the Commonwealth Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardship programme. She is credentialled as a Consultant Pharmacist and works as the Lead Anti-Infectives pharmacist at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust. Claire is a Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Global Health Fellow and has delivered on three Fleming funded Commonwealth Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardship projects between UK, NHS and Ugandan health-partners.
Head of the International Development Team
Joanna Keating
Joanna Keating has been Head of the International Development Team at the Scottish Government since March 2013, overseeing the progressive evolution of the programme during that time.
Following the most recent review of the Scottish Government’s approach to international development (2021), the Scottish Government has been pursuing a deliberate shift to work through more organisations in the Global South to equalise power between Scotland and its partner countries (Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia and Pakistan), and to take a human-rights and a feminist approach to all its work, underpinned by its new International Development Principles with their focus on commitments such as to partner country-led development, equality and inclusion. From that review, the Scottish Government’s work has also seen a thematic refocusing, on health (NCDs), inclusive education, equalities, renewable energy, and ongoing support for global citizenship in Scotland. What has not changed is the Scottish Government’s commitment to initiatives that foster global partnerships and sustainable development. In that regard, Joanna leads efforts to strengthen Scotland's international collaborations and humanitarian contributions. As well as overall lead on strategic direction of policy, her role includes engaging with global partners to promote equitable development and address pressing global challenges.
Beyond her professional commitments, Joanna shares personal insights and experiences on her social media platform, reflecting her connection to her home in the Isle of Bute, and is a regular volunteer in her local hospice in Edinburgh where the skills gained from her many teenage summer jobs, making paninis and good coffee, have been put to good use.
Let me know if you have any issues! Happy to try and find a time for a debrief/panel prep session before the event if you could give me some dates/times.
Consultant Physician
Dr. Emily Cheserem
Dr Emily Cheserem is a Consultant Physician based in the UK, specialising in HIV. She is an active member of the Kenyan diaspora and the chair of Kenyan Doctors UK, an association created to support Kenyan doctors, dentists and pharmacists working in the UK.
Together with other healthcare professionals, she has travelled around the UK giving health talks to Kenyan diaspora on health related issues, with the aim of improving knowledge about maintaining health, preventing illness, and achieving better health outcomes.
In her spare time Emily enjoys visiting with friends and travelling, both within the UK and abroad.
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
Ed Petter
Ed was appointed to Haleon’s Executive Team in January 2024. As Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, he is responsible for delivering the company’s global Corporate Affairs agenda which encompasses external and internal engagement, issues and reputation management, government affairs, corporate and trade policy, sustainability, and social impact.
Prior to joining Haleon, Ed spent seven years at BT Group, the UK’s leading telecommunications and network provider, as Group Corporate Affairs Director and member of the Executive Committee. Ed brings extensive corporate affairs leadership experience from across a range of sectors, having held senior positions at Lloyds Banking Group and McDonald's, as well as previous consulting roles at McKinsey & Company and Blue Rubicon. He started his career as a journalist at the BBC
Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing
Dr Clementinah N Rooke
Clementinah is a Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing. She is an experienced Higher Education and NMC teacher able to teach on undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes across the Human and Health Sciences portfolio and contribute to the management of such programmes. She is a Co-Deputy Director for the Centre for Applied Health Research at the University of Huddersfield. Clementinah has a live interest and involvement in research and scholarly activity with a particular focus on patient public involvement, quality improvement, the impact of the built environment on health and wellbeing, salutogenic health design, lean health care and person-centred dementia care.
Her current efforts are centred on establishing the prevalence of dementia in LMICs with a sharper focus on Sub Saharan Africa
Consultant Psychiatrist
Prof Mohammed Al-Uzri
Professor Al-Uzri is a consultant psychiatrist with special interest in severe mental illness, practicing clinically with the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust in the UK. He held several leadership roles in the trust and nationally, currently he is Mental Health Lead for the NHS Integrated Care Board at Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland.
Professor Al-Uzri was appointed as Presidential Lead for Global Mental Health in May 2023 to build on the successful implementation of the first international strategy of the College. He was the Presidential Lead for International Affairs at the Royal College of Psychiatrists 2020-23 and leading the international team of the college on developing numerus collaborations with colleagues and organizations across the world. He also led the establishment of the RCPsych Medical Training Initiative (MTI) scheme in 2013 and was the College Advisor for MTI 2014-2020.
He was awarded the RCPsych Presidential Medal in 2020 for his long-standing work to improve standards of mental health care in the UK and overseas. And in 2023, received the Royal College of Psychiatrists highest honor, The Honorary Fellowship of the college, for his services to psychiatry.
Professor Al-Uzri holds the title of Honorary Chair in Psychiatry at the University of Leicester where he contributes to research and teaching in mental health as well as international collaboration in medical education.
Treasurer/Trustee Commonwealth Pharmacists Association
Biyi Oloko
Biyi is a seasoned Chartered Accountant (FCA) with a distinguished 30-year career driving financial transformation and business growth worldwide. As a pioneer Certified SAP Finance Consultant, he seamlessly blends deep financial expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional business outcomes.
As a founder for an accelerator, Biyi has significant experience in start-up and scale-up assistance. To date, he has provided business support to multiple founders in sectors such as fintech, greentech, edutech, healthcare, maritime, sports and social enterprise.
Biyi has a proven track record in turnarounds, strategic advisory, and complex financial systems implementation. Biyi is experienced on both sides of M&A transactions and has held leadership roles across Private, Public and PPP sectors. His tenure as Special Adviser to the Immediate past Oyo State Governor, Nigeria and subsequent election as a West Berkshire Councillor demonstrates his commitment to public service and ability to navigate complex environments.
A dedicated community leader, Biyi actively serves as a District Councillor, contributing to local governance while also holding leadership positions within professional bodies. His passion for developing talent and fostering collaboration is evident in his role as President, Thames Valley Society of Chartered Accountants and Vice Chairman for the Africa Group, Institute of Directors UK.
Medical Doctor, Epidemiologist, and Public Health Specialist
Dr. Daniel J Kyabayinze
Dr. Daniel J. Kyabayinze has extensive expertise in enhancing the Quality of Care (QoC), managing health emergencies, and leading health programs. With over 25 years of experience in the health sector and research, his work has primarily focused on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), communicable diseases, and malaria, covering research, case management, and diagnostics.
Currently, Dr. Kyabayinze serves as the Director of Public Health at Uganda’s Ministry of Health, where he oversees seven departments and plays a key role in national health policy and program implementation. As a member of the Senior Top Management at the Ministry of Health, he provides strategic leadership in public health initiatives and represents Uganda in high-level international engagements.
Dr. Kyabayinze has represented Uganda at the WHO Pandemic Treaty Negotiations and the International Health Regulations Reviews in Geneva, Switzerland. Additionally, he serves on the boards of various health-related organizations, contributing to global health governance and policy.
An accomplished researcher, he has authored and co-authored over 50 scientific publications, significantly advancing knowledge in public health and epidemiology.
His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from Mbarara University, an MSc in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Makerere University, a PhD in Medical Services from the University of Antwerp, Belgium, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Organizational Leadership from Southeastern University, USA with a fellowship from the University of California
Director of Human Resources at the Health Service Commission, Ministry of Health and Child Care
Jane Mudyara
Jane Mudyara is currently serving as the Director of Human Resources at the Health Service Commission. Her journey in this role has been incredibly rewarding, particularly as she focuses on pivotal Health Workforce issues.
Jane had the unique opportunity to contribute to the development of the initial Human Resource policies during a time when health workforce challenges were becoming increasingly significant. Over the years, she has overseen the creation of health workforce strategies and facilitated training in Results-Based Management, which has only deepened her passion for this vital field. Jane believes in nurturing the next generation of leaders in healthcare, encouraging young professionals to carry the torch and elevate the importance of the health workforce as a cornerstone of the health delivery system.
Outside of her professional life, Jane finds joy in travelling and exploring new cultures—each adventure enriches her perspective and fuels her creativity. She also loves gardening; there’s something deeply satisfying about nurturing plants and watching them grow. And when she settles down with a good book, she finds it’s the perfect way to unwind and expand her horizons.
Jane is excited about what the future holds and looks forward to making a lasting impact in the health workforce space and health sector!
Registered Nurse
Charlene Dsouza
Charlene qualified as a Registered Nurse in India in 2008 and commenced her overseas journey in July 2009 moving to Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services as an Emergency Medical Technician & Senior Life Support Instructor until 2022.
Driven by a passion for continuous professional growth, Charlene commenced her overseas UK Nursing journey and was interviewed in Dubai by the Devon Alliance for International Recruitment team for a band 5 staff Nurse role in the NHS.
Charlene was successful and appointed as a Registered Nurse working on a dementia ward at the Royal Devon & Exeter University Hospital NHS Trust. Her dedication was soon recognised, leading to opportunities to teach basic life support progressing to an Intermediate Life support instructor at the Trust.
Within a year of working in Exeter, Charlene was promoted to a band 6 specialist nurse for Acute and Elderly care.
Although Carlene was well supported in the hospital, her drive and passion lay with prehospital and emergency care and in July 2023 an opportunity arose to work in Southwest Ambulance Service Trust (SWAST) as a Triage Nurse in the Emergency Operations Centre.
This was a new and unique pilot undertaken by SWAST to recruit International Nurses into the Emergency Operations centres in both Exeter and Bristol Control stations.
Supported by the Devon Alliance team Charlene was successfully appointed into a band 6 Triage Nurse Clinician role and within 9 months, her commitment and expertise led to rapid progression to a band 7 Senior Nurse Clinician.
Lead Clinical Pharmacist at Northumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Scott Barrett
Scott Barrett is Lead Clinical Pharmacist at Northumbria NHS Foundation Trust with an extensive career working within the hospital sector.
Scott has successfully led Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) CwPAMS projects from 2019 to current day.
He is a Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Global Health Fellow and member of the Q Community within The Health Foundation.
Scott has a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy, Independent Prescribing and is currently completing MSc Global Leadership and Management in Healthcare.
Head of Global Health Partnerships
Richard Holder
With over 20 years of experience in mental health and acute services across various capacities, I am a qualified Psychotherapist with a particular focus on trauma, eating disorders, and working with marginalised communities. My leadership and management experiences range from managing teams, service management, speciality general management and clinical leadership in mental, Increasing Access To Psychological Services and Acute hospital services.
My dedication to fostering equity, inclusion, and diversity is evident through my history of leadership as the chair of the BAME network and my current contributions as a member of the NHS staff council focusing on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I). As a trustee for a regional charity providing essential health services to marginalized communities, I am committed to making a positive impact.
In my current role as Head of Global Health Partnerships, I am deeply passionate about reducing health disparities on a global scale. My core values of health, creativity, compassion, inquiry, and collaboration drive my efforts to enhance global health and advocate for healthier, safer, and longer lives for individuals worldwide.
Senior Ophthalmic Nurse
Primrose Magala
Born in Uganda and raised in the UK. She holds multiple qualifications, including BScs in Medical Microbiology and Adult Nursing, HRM and Business, and a PG Cert in Clinical Ophthalmic Skills.
She has participated in fellowships and leadership sessions, such as the Florence Nightingale Foundation fellowship and Moorfields and UCL leadership development.
Primrose is the founder of Eye Health Africa, patron of GAF Eye Health Foundation in Uganda, a global health expert, and a budding researcher with four publications and more than five manuscripts in press. Her volunteering experience includes over seven annual eye health camps in Uganda since 2017. She is part of the monthly Uganda-UK shared learning platform and co-founded the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Association UK in 2020. She has mentored and supported over 500 healthcare professionals through mentorship, tuition support, linkages to specialists, and global exchanges.
Primrose has been instrumental in improving healthcare in LMICs, including eye health. She has championed equipment donations to over 10 hospitals in Uganda and Ghana, benefiting over ten thousand patients. She has also been involved in partnerships securing funding for LMICs, including a global capacity-building grant from Global Health Partnerships.
Primrose’s vision is to develop digital ecosystems for equitable training and knowledge sharing, aligning with Eye Health Africa’s mission and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
This year, the team will visit Kiwoko in Lira, Mbarara, and Hoima to continue the knowledge and skills exchange between Uganda and the UK as part of the global health partnerships initiative.
Associate Chief Nursing Officer for Mental Health
Gifty Markey
Gifty Markey is Learning Disability and Neurodiversity at North Bristol NHS Trust and Joint Chair of the Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Midwifery Officer Black Minority Ethnic Strategic Advisory Group (NHS England). Gifty has over 22years experience in Nursing across five NHS Organisations in different specialities including Forensic Mental Health, Crisis Teams, Psychiatric Liaison, Psychiatric Intensive Care, Acute Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism, Acute General Hospital, Community Hospitals. Born and bred in Ghana where she undertook her first degree (BA Hons.) English and Theatres Arts at the University of Ghana, she undertook further education in the UK training in Mental Health Nursing and an MSc in Leadership and Organisations in Public Services at the University of West of England, Bristol. Gifty is passionate about advocating for patients and staff. She is also a keen advocate of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Agenda supporting NHS organisations to optimise this. Gifty has expertise in managing complex patients and has worked as a CQC Specialist Advisor with keen interest in improving quality of services, patient experience, patient safety, and patient outcomes. She is passionate about improving health inequalities for patients, staff and a keen advocate of improving staff wellbeing, supporting this through various initiatives.
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Consultant Physician in Diabetes and Endocrinology/General Internal Medicine at Queen's Hospital, Romford
Professor Gideon Mlawa
He obtained his medical degree from Trakia University in Bulgaria and furthered his training with both the Wessex and London Deaneries, specializing in his field.
Key aspects of his career include: Serving as Director of Medical Education at both Queen’s Hospital and King George Hospital; Acting as the Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh Regional Advisor for Greater London; Previously served as the Training Programme Director for Internal Medicine Trainees and as a Royal College of Physicians Tutor.
In addition to his clinical and educational roles, Professor Mlawa is a founding member and treasurer of the Tanzania UK Healthcare Diaspora Association (TUHEDA). He has been actively involved in Global Health Partnership initiatives with East Africa and played a key role in forming the Tanzania UK Health Alliance (TUKHA). played a key role in the formation of the Tanzania UK Healthcare Alliance (TUKHA)
Alongside other colleagues from Queens and King George Hospitals, he was involved in Global Health activities including organizing the first-ever Diaspora event at BHRUT in December 2024, recognizing the contribution of international healthcare professionals in the NHS. He was part of the Queens and King George Hospitals delegation to Tanzania and took part in several symposia with institutions in East Africa in June 2024.
Registrar/CEO of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
Dr Fatima Kyari
Fatima Kyari, MB,BS FWACS FMCOph MSc PhD FNAMed Dr Fatima Kyari is an accomplished and highly qualified medical professional with a focus on ophthalmology, public health, and medical education. Current role In her current role as the Registrar/CEO of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr Fatima Kyari’s main task is to regulate the professions of medicine and dentistry, the operations of clinical laboratory practice and the practice of alternative medicine. A key duty is to maintain the register for medical and dental doctors in Nigeria. This includes determining how the doctor gets into the register (medical education standards and registration), how the doctor remains on the register (professional discipline, code of conduct, practice ethics, and annual practice licence renewal), and the process of removal from the register when a doctor errs (investigation panel and disciplinary tribunal). Her key focus is on an expansion in medical school training capacity in Nigeria, supporting institutions with the desire and potential to scale up students intake. In addressing health workforce challenges, her programmes include harnessing resources from Nigeria’s global networks – one of which is the SCALE project which involves Clinical Service Optimisation, Education, and Training in Nigeria in Collaboration with UK Royal Medical Colleges (SCALE - Strengthening Collaborations & Advancing cLinical Excellence). As the CEO of a health professional regulatory body in Nigeria, she will be working towards contributing to the Nigeria National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) within the Sector-wide Approach (SWAp), and executing within the 4-point agenda of the Honourable Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare and as mandated by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act
President of the Medical Association of Nigerian Specialists Across Great Britain
Dr Jideofor (Jide) Menakaya
Dr Jideofor (Jide) Menakaya is a consultant neonatal paediatrician and clinical lead for patient safety at The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. He is also a director of a private healthcare provider organisation, Moor Park Paediatric Practice .
He completed his undergraduate medical training at University of Benin in 1991. After house jobs at University of Benin Teaching Hospital, he transferred to the United Kingdom to start post graduate studies in paediatrics.
He was one of the early groups of Calman trainees rotating through London, Wessex and West Midlands deaneries including a fellowship in Neonatal Medicine in Melbourne Australia before his appointment to a consultant position in 2003.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Jide has carried out training missions to the Middle East, Australia and several countries in Africa focusing particularly on Newborn Life Support Skills. He was a foundation member of the Rotary Club International Vocational Training Team programme to Uganda from 2014-2019. As President of MANSAG he has initiated the MANSAG Skills Transfer and Retention programme (STAR*) and Strengthening Collaborations, Advancing Clinical Excellence (SCALE) framework
National Maternity Lead for Equality NHS England and NHS Improvement.
Wendy Olayiwola
Professional Midwifery Advocate in a large NHS trust. Wendy has strong self-belief values, personal development, philanthropy, mentoring, supporting others, just as passionately promoting and advocacy for equalities among black and minority ethnic groups.
Wendy is a registered nurse and midwife with more than two decades of active, fruitful and broadened years of service in the community and public health. The recognition and influence of her abilities reach, influence and touch several spheres within and outside the United Kingdom. Wendy is well seasoned in articulating and participating in diverse roles involving the hospital, community, private health, and well-being. She is very passionate about supporting and empowering nurses and midwives to provide culturally sensitive and holistic care for women and their families.
Ms Olayiwola received her academic Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Nursing from Buckinghamshire Chiltern University UK; BSc (Hons.) Midwifery City University London with further studies, she obtained a merited diploma in Management and Leadership Studies (DMS) and postgraduate (MSc) degree in Public Health at the University of East London. She is an honorary lecturer at universities on Public health topics and a motivational speaker.
She has co-authored articles in professional midwifery journals, including Talking to men about FG M and Reducing the incidence of Stillbirths in Black women. Wendy is a member of Nursing and Midwifery Council Equality Diversity and Inclusion Research Advisory Group. She is the Lead midwife/co-chair of CNO CMiDO BME Strategic Advisory Group NHS England.
Wendy was awarded a British Empire Medal for service to the NHS and Equality during the COVID-19 response in the 2021 New year’s Honour list. She was listed in the 2020 year of then nurse and midwife Global WHO/UN/WGH100 outstanding women nurse and midwife leader. She is the winner of the NHS@70 women leaders Award 2018.
Head of Outreach Strategic Delivery and National Engagement; GMC
Tista Chakravarty-Gannon
Tista has worked in the service for over 25 years supporting survivors of abuse. She now also co-leads the Outreach team at the GMC and heads up their ‘Welcome to UK Practice’ work to support doctors who qualified overseas.
More recently she has worked on collaborative projects with the Gold Standards Framework and RCGP. Tista still provides support to survivors of abuse and is involved in projects to empower women and children, including recent work to tackle misogyny in medicine.
Tista is passionate about the NHS and has particular interests in safeguarding, medical leadership and quality improvement, especially pertaining to anti-discrimination and compassionate cultures. She is a peer reviewer for BMJ Leader and Sushrata Journal of Health Policy and Opinion on these issues and was awarded BAPIO’s President’s award for Professional Excellence in 2022 and the BIDA Special Award in 2024, for her commitment to work in this arena. She is currently co-authoring a medical text book on anti-racism in medicine for Elsevier.
Education Lead Critical Care at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Lisa Enoch
Lisa Enoch is Education Lead for Critical Care at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Lisa worked at several London Trusts before moving to CUH. Lisa has worked within Critical Care since 2002 after completing her postgraduate specialist training at the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery at Kings College London. Lisa has a clear passion for nursing education and is an Honorary Lecturer at the University of East of Anglia (UEA). Lisa was part of a team that developed a new approach to delivering the Critical Care postgraduate curriculum aligning it with national competencies. Lisa has recently graduated with an MSc in Global Health Leadership at Keele University where she completed a scoping review looking at the perceived benefits and challenges of NHS staff volunteering in Global Health partnerships to the NHS.
Lisa is also co-lead for the Kampala Cambridge SCALE Critical Care partnership, a health workforce development initiative between Uganda’s Ministry of Health and the NHS. Access to critical care is a crucial component of healthcare systems, but low- and middle-income countries like Uganda face a rising burden of critical illness and the capacity to provide care for critically ill patients in intensive care units is extremely low. With support from Ugandan and UK-based organisations including Cambridge Global Health Partnerships, the partnership is growing the skills and knowledge of the Ugandan and UK critical care health workforce through peer-to-peer learning and exchange.
Prof Rosalind Parkes- Ratanshi MBBS MA PhD FRCP FFPH DipGUM DFSRH
Pro Rosalind Parkes-Ratanshi
Rosalind combines her experience as a physician and a researcher to improve health systems through innovation with an emphasis on HIV and sexually transmitted infections in Uganda.
She is the Founding Director of the Academy for Health Innovation, Uganda based at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Professor of Global Health at Queens University, Belfast and a visiting Principal Research Associate at University of Cambridge.
She is a principal investigator on various studies investigating the impact of new technologies in LMICs. She is co-PI for the Hub for Sexual and Reproductive Health in Africa (HASH), African lead for a BMGF project on AI in low cost maternal ultrasound and has been an advisor for WHO on AI in health. She and her team developed the ARTAccess App tool which allows HIV drug delivery in private pharmacies which supports over 45,000 people living with HIV. Their Call for Life tool supported the Ugandan Ministry of Health COVID-19 response and continues to provide automated phone call support to people living with HIV and TB. She leads a UK MRC project evaluating medical drones for delivery of HIV medication to remote areas.
Rosalind is a strong advocate for multi-disciplinary work, for example a History of HIV project brought together with artists, social scientists and bio-medical teams to create an exhibition at the Uganda Museum and A Picture of Ageing in Uganda worked with demographers, artists and ageing experts.
She strongly believes in building research capacity in Global Health. She leads a module for the Masters in Population Health Sciences - Global Health theme at Cambridge and is a PhD and Masters supervisor at Makerere and Cambridge. She serves the Aga Khan Development Network in various voluntary roles as Chairperson of Aga Khan Health Services in Uganda, the Aga Khan University Council for Uganda and was recently Vice President of the Aga Khan National Council for Uganda.
Consultant Neurosurgeo
Mr. Andrew F. Alalade
Mr. Andrew F. Alalade is a Consultant Neurosurgeon based in the United Kingdom, with specialist expertise in skull base and vascular neurosurgery. His career spans extensive experience across clinical practice, medical education, research, academia, and medical advisory roles.
Mr. Alalade holds the position of Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) and serves as the Regional Director for the North-West England Neurosurgery Teaching Programme, where he plays a pivotal role in training and mentoring future neurosurgeons.
Beyond his clinical and academic roles, Mr. Alalade is deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity, and mentorship in surgery. He serves as the General Secretary of the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain (MANSAG) and is a Trustee of the British Association of Black Surgeons (BABS). Through these leadership roles, he actively works to support underrepresented medical professionals and promote global health equity.