Shikoh Gitau

Dr. Gitau was born to a poor family, but had a talent for math, and was able to get funding to pursue her MSc in Computer Science, and later her PhD at the University of Capetown. While at UCT, she designed a simple but powerful mobile-phone based system called “Ummeli” to connect skilled workers from …

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Kusum Thapa

Dr. Thapa has over 25 years of experience as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist both in Nepal and UK as an Asia Near East Regional Technical Advisor for Jhpiego. She has been actively involved in providing technical leadership and guidance to Jhpiego programs in Nepal as well as globally in Asia and Africa in the area …

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Mary Mwanyika-Sando

Mary Mwanyika-Sando, MD,  spearheaded improvements in maternal and child health programs in Dar es Salaam, rolling out anti-retroviral treatment in dozens of clinics as part of a campaign that became a model for many other sub-Saharan African countries. One key to a healthy future for Africa, Mwanyika-Sando says, is involving the women patients themselves in …

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Jane Otai

When Jane Otai walks through the Nairobi slums, she is no stranger. No stranger to the women living in corrugated-metal shacks or worse, no stranger to the poverty, overcrowded conditions and health problems devastating families. Most of all, she is no stranger to the huge boost that family planning services can provide for the urban …

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Yetnayet Asfaw Demessie

A physician by training, Asfaw has dedicated her professional and personal life to advancing the cause of girls and women for the past 18 years.  As country director for EngenderHealth, her primary foci are encouraging family planning, promoting maternal health and ensuring quality of health care.  She also led the first USAID supported project for …

Meet the Fellow