WHO Regional Office for Africa · Mentorship Programme
The Mwele Malecela Mentorship Programme
Cohort I
Overview
We are excited to introduce you to the remarkable community that is the Mwele Malecela Mentorship Program. Here, you'll have the opportunity to meet the exceptional individuals who make up our inaugural cohort: our driven Mentees and our experienced Mentors.
Our programme is dedicated to supporting mid-career African women in their journey to become leaders and champions in the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) at both national and international levels. Officially launched on August 16, 2023, Cohort I of the MMM Programme will be running for two years. During this time, both Mentees and Mentors will have access to a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and professional development experiences.
For our Mentees, this programme offers a unique chance to gain insights from seasoned experts in the field, expand their leadership skills, and drive impactful change in the NTDs field. Mentors, on the other hand, have the privilege of shaping the future leaders of NTD elimination and contributing their extensive knowledge to the next generation.
As Cohort I progresses, we anticipate numerous opportunities for collaboration, learning, and growth for all participants. Together, we aim to foster a vibrant mentoring community dedicated to advancing the cause of NTD elimination in Africa and beyond.
We invite you to explore the inspiring stories and profiles of our Cohort I Mentees and Mentors, which showcase the diverse talents, experiences, and ambitions that make this programme truly exceptional. Whether you are a Mentee seeking guidance or a Mentor eager to share your expertise, our mentorship community offers unwavering support.
Join us on this transformative mentorship journey, and let's work together to make a meaningful impact in the field of NTDs!
Cohort I Mentees
Ten women. Seven countries. The inaugural cohort.
Dr Basiliana Emidi
Tanzania
Principal Research Scientist in Field Medical Entomology, National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR)
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Ms Deborah Fulamuso Mensah
Ghana
Program Director for the African Region, American Leprosy Missions (ALM)
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Ms Chinenye Bembir
Nigeria
Senior Research Investigator and Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Translation and Implementation Research, Enugu
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Ms Rolayo Toyin Emmanuel
Nigeria
Research Officer, Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis and Onchocerciasis Research
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Dr Lydia Mosi
Ghana
Associate Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon; Deputy Director, West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens
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Ms Christine Wanjala
Kenya
Lecturer, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
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Ms Faraja Serephin Lyamuya
Tanzania
Epidemiologist; Lymphatic Filariasis Focal Point, Tanzania Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Program (NTDCP)
Read biographyDr Rose Elisabeth Peme Monteil
Senegal
Project Director, USAID-funded Act to END NTDs, FHI360
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Dr Nissou Ines Dossa
Benin
M&E Advisor, Act | West project (Neglected Tropical Diseases)
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Ms Alvine Christelle Kengne
Cameroon
Scientist and Educator (Parasitology / Schistosomiasis), University of Yaoundé I
Read biographyMentors
Experienced leaders guiding the next generation of NTD champions.
Dr Josephine Namboze
Uganda / Botswana
WHO Representative to Botswana and SADC
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Ms Olajumoke Morenikeji
Nigeria
Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan
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Ms Ellen Agler
United States
Chief Executive Officer, The END Fund
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Ms Helen Bokea
Kenya
Head of NTDs, FIND
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Dr Stefanie Meredith
United Kingdom
Independent Consultant; Editor-in-Chief, Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (former Director, Mectizan Donation Programme)
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Ms Katherine Gass
United States
Director of Research, NTD Support Center
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Ms Lisa Rotondo
United States
Senior Director of Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases, RTI International; Director, USAID Act to End NTDs | East
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Dr Kelly Zongo
United States
Senior Director, The END Fund's Flagship Fund
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Mr Judd Walson
United States
Incoming Chair, Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University; Professor, University of Washington
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Mr Motari Omariba
Kenya
Health Officer, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) - Kenya
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