The Mwele Malecela Mentorship Program – Cohort I

16 August 2023

WHO Regional Office for Africa · Mentorship Programme

The Mwele Malecela Mentorship Programme

Cohort I

Launched 16 August 2023 Neglected Tropical Diseases
Dr. Mwele Malecela

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.

Portrait of Dr Basiliana Emidi

Dr Basiliana Emidi

Tanzania

Principal Research Scientist in Field Medical Entomology, National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR)

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Portrait of Ms Deborah Fulamuso Mensah

Ms Deborah Fulamuso Mensah

Ghana

Program Director for the African Region, American Leprosy Missions (ALM)

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Portrait of Ms Chinenye Bembir

Ms Chinenye Bembir

Nigeria

Senior Research Investigator and Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Translation and Implementation Research, Enugu

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Portrait of Ms Rolayo Toyin Emmanuel

Ms Rolayo Toyin Emmanuel

Nigeria

Research Officer, Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis and Onchocerciasis Research

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Portrait of Dr Lydia Mosi

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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Portrait of Ms Christine Wanjala

Ms Christine Wanjala

Kenya

Lecturer, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

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Portrait of Ms Faraja Serephin Lyamuya

Ms Faraja Serephin Lyamuya

Tanzania

Epidemiologist; Lymphatic Filariasis Focal Point, Tanzania Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Program (NTDCP)

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Portrait of Dr Rose Elisabeth Peme Monteil

Dr Rose Elisabeth Peme Monteil

Senegal

Project Director, USAID-funded Act to END NTDs, FHI360

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Portrait of Dr Nissou Ines Dossa

Dr Nissou Ines Dossa

Benin

M&E Advisor, Act | West project (Neglected Tropical Diseases)

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Portrait of Ms Alvine Christelle Kengne

Ms Alvine Christelle Kengne

Cameroon

Scientist and Educator (Parasitology / Schistosomiasis), University of Yaoundé I

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Mentors

Experienced leaders guiding the next generation of NTD champions.

Portrait of Dr Josephine Namboze

Dr Josephine Namboze

Uganda / Botswana

WHO Representative to Botswana and SADC

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Portrait of Ms Olajumoke Morenikeji

Ms Olajumoke Morenikeji

Nigeria

Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan

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Portrait of Ms Ellen Agler

Ms Ellen Agler

United States

Chief Executive Officer, The END Fund

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Portrait of Ms Helen Bokea

Ms Helen Bokea

Kenya

Head of NTDs, FIND

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Portrait of Dr Stefanie Meredith

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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Portrait of Ms Katherine Gass

Ms Katherine Gass

United States

Director of Research, NTD Support Center

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Portrait of Ms Lisa Rotondo

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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Portrait of Dr Kelly Zongo

Dr Kelly Zongo

United States

Senior Director, The END Fund's Flagship Fund

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Portrait of Mr Judd Walson

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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Portrait of Mr Motari Omariba

Mr Motari Omariba

Kenya

Health Officer, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) - Kenya

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