WHO Regional Office for Africa · Mentorship Programme
The Mwele Malecela Mentorship Programme
Cohort II
Overview
We are thrilled to introduce you to the remarkable women who comprise Cohort II of the Mwele Malecela Mentorship Programme, launched on January 23, 2025. This transformative two-year initiative is designed to empower mid-career African women to become leaders and champions in the fight to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
With a strong gender-intentional approach, the MMM Programme offers mentees and their mentors tailored leadership training, skill development opportunities, personalized mentoring, and access to global platforms. These tools are aimed at breaking gender barriers, fostering inclusive governance, and equipping participants with the skills and networks needed to advance NTD elimination efforts.
Discover the diverse talents, experiences, and aspirations of our Mentees and Mentors. Their inspiring stories showcase the exceptional individuals driving innovation and impact in the NTD community.
We invite you to be a part of this impactful mentorship program. Together, let's empower women and make a lasting contribution to the fight against NTDs.
Cohort II Mentees
Five women. Four countries. One shared mission.
Dr. Ngozi Murphy-Okpala
Nigeria
Program Manager, RedAid Nigeria; Community Health Physician and Public Health Consultant
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Dr. Soneye Islamiat Yetunde
Nigeria
NTDs Control Program Coordinator, Ogun State Ministry of Health; Public Health Physician
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Jeanne Uwizeyimana
Rwanda
Country Director, Heart and Sole Africa/Action (HASA)
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Samantha Nyathi
Zimbabwe
Senior Programme Officer, Sightsavers Zimbabwe; Roving Trachoma Expert
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Dr. Hélène Kwamba
Democratic Republic of Congo
M&E Coordinator, National Program of Leprosy Control and other NTDs (Buruli Ulcer, Yaws)
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Mentors
Experienced leaders guiding the next generation of NTD champions.
Dr. Josephine Namboze
Botswana (from Uganda)
WHO Representative to Botswana and SADC
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Olajumoke Abimbola Morenikeji
Nigeria
Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan
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Ellen Agler
Chief Executive Officer, The END Fund
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Helen Bokea
Head of NTDs at FIND
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Dr. Stefanie Meredith
Public health and international development policy specialist; Editor-in-Chief, Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
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Katherine Gass
Director of Research, NTD Support Center
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Lisa Rotondo
Senior Director of Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases, RTI International; Director, USAID’s Act to End NTDs | East
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Dr Kelly Zongo
Senior Director, The END Fund's Flagship Fund
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Dr. Judd Walson
incoming Chair, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; Professor of Global Health, University of Washington
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Motari Omariba
Kenya
Health Officer, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) - Kenya
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