Our Champions

Awa Marie Coll-Seck is a towering figure in African and global public health, currently serving as Chair of the Galien Forum Africa. A former Minister of Health of Senegal and former Executive Director of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership, she has dedicated her distinguished career to fighting infectious diseases and strengthening health systems across the continent.

Her leadership has been pivotal in mobilizing resources and political commitment to combat malaria and other diseases disproportionately affecting African populations. A champion for gender equity in health, she has consistently advocated for policies that address the specific health needs of women and girls. Awa Marie Coll-Seck remains one of Africa’s most respected and influential voices in global health.

Christian T. Happi is a Professor of Molecular Biology and Genomics and Director of the African Center of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID) at Redeemer’s University in Nigeria. After completing his postdoctoral training at Harvard University, he returned to Africa to dedicate his career to building scientific capacity among young African researchers.

He became the first African researcher to sequence the SARS-CoV-2 genome on the continent, within 48 hours of receiving a sample from Nigeria’s index case. He also confirmed the first Ebola case in Nigeria within six hours, helping contain the outbreak and saving millions of lives. To date, he has published over 230 peerreviewed articles and trained more than 2,500 young scientists from 53 African countries.

Dr. Clement Meseko is a leading veterinary research officer at the National Veterinary Research Institute in Nigeria, specializing in veterinary virology and zoonotic diseases. A pioneer in One Health research in West Africa, he has conducted groundbreaking studies on avian influenza and other animal origin viruses with pandemic potential.

His work has been instrumental in strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to detect and respond to zoonotic disease outbreaks at the human-animal interface. He collaborates extensively with international research institutions and health organizations to advance surveillance and control of emerging infectious diseases across Africa. His dedication to bridging veterinary and human medicine makes him a critical voice in global pandemic preparedness and One Health policy discussions.

Samba Sow is a leading figure in African public health, serving as Director General of the Center for Vaccine Development in Mali and a former Minister of Health of Mali. A renowned vaccinologist and infectious disease expert, he has dedicated his career to advancing vaccine research and strengthening health systems across West Africa.

His tenure as Minister of Health was marked by significant reforms in Mali’s public health infrastructure and disease prevention programs. Dr. Sow has been instrumental in conducting major vaccine trials on the continent, contributing to the global fight against diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and COVID-19. He remains a powerful voice for African leadership in biomedical research and vaccine equity

Dr. Neema Kaseje is a trailblazing pediatric surgeon and public health specialist based in Kisumu, Kenya. As a leading member of the Surgical Systems Research Group, she works at the intersection of clinical surgery and health systems research to improve surgical care for children across Africa. Her work focuses on strengthening surgical systems in low-resource settings, ensuring that children receive timely and quality surgical interventions regardless of their socioeconomic background.

A passionate advocate for health equity, Dr. Kaseje combines her surgical expertise with rigorous public health research to influence policy and practice. She is widely recognized as a role model for young African women pursuing careers in surgery and global health leadership.

Claudia Gray is a distinguished pediatrician and allergy specialist based in South Africa, with extensive expertise in childhood allergies and immunological conditions. With a career spanning decades of clinical practice, she has become one of the country’s foremost authorities on pediatric allergy and immunology. Deeply committed to improving child health outcomes, she actively contributes to national and international guidelines on allergy prevention and management.

A sought-after speaker and educator, Claudia is passionate about raising awareness of allergic diseases among both medical professionals and the general public. Her dedication to evidence-based medicine and patient-centered care has earned her widespread respect within the South African and broader African medical community.

Glenda Gray is one of Africa’s most prominent medical scientists, serving as President and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council. A globally recognized expert in HIV/AIDS research and vaccinology, she has led landmark clinical trials that have transformed the prevention and treatment of HIV, particularly among women and children.

Her pioneering work on mother-to-child transmission of HIV has saved countless lives across the continent. A recipient of numerous international accolades, including the John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award, Glenda continues to champion science-driven health solutions. She remains a fierce advocate for research investment in Africa and for placing African scientists at the forefront of global health innovation.

Thumbi Mwangi is a distinguished infectious disease epidemiologist with extensive expertise in zoonotic diseases and global health. Based in South Africa, he has dedicated his career to understanding the complex interplay between human, animal, and environmental health. His groundbreaking research has significantly contributed to the understanding of infectious disease transmission and control across sub-Saharan Africa.

A strong advocate for One Health approaches, Thumbi has collaborated with international institutions to strengthen disease surveillance and response systems on the continent. His work bridges the gap between cutting-edge epidemiological science and practical public health interventions, making him one of Africa’s most respected voices in infectious disease research and policy.

Carol-Ann Benn is a leading surgical oncologist and a Fellow of the College of Surgeons of South Africa. Renowned for her expertise in breast cancer surgery, she has dedicated her career to advancing oncological care across the African continent. A passionate advocate for equitable cancer treatment, she works tirelessly to improve access to quality surgical oncology services in under-resourced settings.

Her contributions span clinical practice, research, and medical education, making her a driving force in shaping cancer care policies across Africa. She is widely recognized for her commitment to training the next generation of African surgeons and ensuring that women across the continent receive world-class oncological care.

Prof. Vinodh Edward is Group Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director at the Aurum Institute, where he plays a key role in advancing clinical research and health innovation across Africa. With more than 20 years of experience in biotechnology and clinical research, he has led major international trials and helped strengthen research infrastructure across the continent.

Prof. Edward holds a Doctorate of Technology in Biotechnology from the Durban University of Technology and has held multiple leadership roles within the Aurum Institute. His work focuses on building sustainable research platforms, developing laboratory capacity, and fostering partnerships that support African-led health innovation. He is also committed to mentoring emerging scientists and strengthening Africa’s ability to conduct large-scale clinical research and biomedical innovation.

Dr. Russell Rensburg is a South African health activist and policy expert dedicated to improving equitable access to healthcare for rural communities. He serves as Director of the Rural Health Advocacy Project (RHAP), where he leads initiatives that strengthen health systems, promote good governance, and advocate for fair allocation of health resources.

With over 15 years of experience in health systems strengthening, he has contributed to national policy development and served as a commissioner on the South Africa Lancet Commission on Quality Health Systems. He was also part of the ministerial task team responsible for developing the National Human Resources for Health Strategy. His work emphasizes evidence based advocacy and public accountability to ensure that rural communities receive the healthcare services and resources they need.

Prof. Nothando Ngwenya is the academic lead at the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), where her work focuses on adolescent mental health, resilience, and HIV self-management. She holds a Wellcome Trust Intermediate Fellowship supporting the development of youth-focused psychosocial interventions for young people living with HIV.

Her research examines how cultural, social, and economic contexts influence decision-making, treatment of adherence, and wellbeing among adolescents facing chronic illness. She also holds honorary academic appointments at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and University College London.

At AHRI, Prof. Ngwenya leads an interdisciplinary research group and mentors early-career scientists. Her work combines behavioral science and public health approaches to design interventions that are locally grounded and scalable within African health systems.

Prof. Ntobeko Ntusi is President and Chief Executive Officer of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and Professor of Medicine at the University of Cape Town. A cardiologist and physician-scientist, he has made major contributions to understanding cardiovascular disease in Africa, particularly heart failure, cardiomyopathies, hypertension, and HIV associated cardiovascular disease.

Prior to leading the SAMRC, he served as Chair and Head of the Department of Medicine at the University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital. His research also examines broader global health challenges, including non communicable diseases, climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and the role of artificial intelligence in health. Through his leadership, he is advancing a vision for resilient African health research systems that prioritize equity, innovation, and locally driven scientific solutions.

Glaudina Loots is a South African scientist and policy leader serving as Health Innovation Specialist and Project Manager for Health Innovation at the University of Pretoria. She oversees the implementation of the health components of South Africa’s Bioeconomy Strategy, supporting innovation in areas such as drug development, vaccine production, diagnostics, and medical technologies.

Ms. Loots has represented South Africa in numerous international science and health platforms, advocating for stronger African participation in global health innovation systems and equitable access to medicines and medical technologies. She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP). A strong advocate for women in science, she supports initiatives that strengthen mentorship, research capacity, and opportunities for young African scientists in STEM.

Dr. Babacar Gueye is Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Ministry of Health and Social Action of Senegal. He is a medical doctor and public health specialist. He has extensive experience in epidemiology, health program management, and national health policy development.

Before assuming his current role, he served as Director of Disease Control, where he led major national initiatives addressing infectious diseases and strengthening surveillance systems. His work has focused particularly on maternal and child health, reproductive health, malaria control, and national health planning.

Dr. Gueye also represents Senegal in international health forums, contributing to discussions on global health cooperation and sustainable investment in health systems. Through his leadership, he supports evidencebased decision-making and strategic planning that strengthens Senegal’s health sector.

Dr. Moussa Sarr is a Senegalese epidemiologist and public health researcher specializing in infectious disease surveillance and prevention. He serves as Senior Researcher and Head of Business Development and Cooperation at the Institute for Health Research, Epidemiological Surveillance and Training (IRESSEF), where he leads major research initiatives on HIV prevention, tuberculosis, and emerging infectious diseases.

With extensive experience in designing and managing international research collaborations, Dr. Sarr has contributed to strengthening scientific capacity and evidence-based policymaking across Africa. His work focuses on generating locally relevant scientific knowledge that informs national and regional health strategies. He is also recognized for mentoring emerging scientists and building partnerships between research institutions, governments, and international organizations to advance African-led health research and innovation.

Marième Gueye is a Senegalese researcher specializing in biofabrication and regenerative medicine at the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht (RMCU) within University Medical Center Utrecht. Her research focuses on developing advanced 3D bioprinted tissues and organ-on-chip technologies that can support regenerative medicine and personalized treatment approaches.

Working at the intersection of biology, engineering, and clinical science, she contributes to multidisciplinary research aimed at translating laboratory discoveries into medical applications. Her work includes developing biofunctionalized materials and innovative printing techniques to create complex living tissue structures.

Beyond research, Marième is passionate about bridging science, entrepreneurship, and innovation. She is particularly interested in translating scientific discoveries into practical health solutions and exploring opportunities where biotechnology research can support venture building and biomedical innovation.

Prof. Ndèye Coumba Touré Kane is a Senegalese biomedical researcher and professor with over 25 years of experience in virology and public health. She earned her Doctor of Medicine at the University of Dakar and trained in virology at the University of Montpellier and the Pasteur Institute in Paris.

A pioneer in molecular HIV surveillance in West Africa, she has advanced HIV viral load monitoring and strengthening diagnostic and surveillance systems across the continent. She currently serves as Scientific Director at the Institute for Health Research, Epidemiological Surveillance and Training (IRESSEF) and Rector of Université du Sine Saloum El-Hâdj Ibrahima Niass (USSEIN). Through her leadership, she contributes to shaping biomedical research, strengthening epidemic preparedness, and mentoring the next generation of African scientists.

Dr. Lisa Micheni Nkatha is a Kenyan medical microbiologist and academic specializing in tuberculosis research and antimicrobial resistance. She currently serves as a Senior Lecturer at Pwani University, where she contributes to teaching, research, and academic mentorship across programs in medicine, microbiology, nursing, and health sciences.

Her doctoral research focused on detecting multiple Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains and identifying drug resistance patterns, providing critical insights into tuberculosis epidemiology in East Africa. Her work has explored mixed TB infections and the genetic diversity of tuberculosis strains in the region.

Beyond research, Dr. Micheni is actively involved in curriculum development and supervision of postgraduate research, helping strengthen scientific training and research capacity in the region.

Johnpaul Omollo is a public health professional and policy strategist with extensive experience advancing health research, pharmaceutical systems, and pandemic preparedness policies across Africa. He serves as the Senior Manager for Policy at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), contributing to shaping continental health policy priorities.

His work focuses on strengthening Africa’s capacity for health research and development, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, and regulatory systems. He promotes policies that support self-reliance, equitable access to medicines, and stronger health systems.

Previously, he was the Africa Regional Lead for Research and Development Policy and Advocacy at PATH and held roles in policy and government affairs in the pharmaceutical sector. He also represented civil society organizations in global health platforms, including the World Health Assembly.

Prof. Thumbi Ndung’u is an internationally recognized immunologist and virologist specializing in HIV pathogenesis, immune responses, and cure strategies. He earned his PhD in Biological Sciences from Harvard University, focusing on molecular virology of HIV-1.

Since 2016, he has served as Director for Basic and Translational Science at the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) in South Africa, leading multidisciplinary research on HIV prevention, treatment, and cure. He is also Professor of Infectious Diseases at University College London and holds adjunct and honorary roles at institutions including Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Through his work, he advances global collaboration, clinical research in Africa, and the mentorship of emerging scientists.

Dr. Robert Karanja is a Kenyan biomedical scientist and social entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in global health innovation. He holds a PhD in Parasitology and Entomology and previously conducted translational research at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).

In 2015, he co-founded Villgro Africa, an incubator supporting health startups, where he helped catalyze over $18 million in investment and create more than 200 jobs. He currently leads Biolinx Africa and serves as Chair of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) AfriCenter Board. Through his work spanning research, entrepreneurship, and policy, Dr. Karanja advances African-led innovation ecosystems and strengthens local value chains in health technology and life sciences.

Julie Muriuki is a Kenyan leadership and gender inclusion expert with over a decade of experience designing and facilitating programs that strengthen leadership capacity across Africa. She currently works with Nia Delta, a consulting firm supporting organizations to drive transformational change. Julie is also the founder of Thelela Consulting and a founding member of the Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance.

Her career spans Dalberg Global Development Advisors, the Africa Center for Open Governance, Raising Voices, UNDP, and the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs. She has contributed to initiatives like USAID’s YALI, training emerging leaders through human-centered design that empower youth and women. Julie holds a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Maryland.

Dr. Safiatou Coulibaly is a molecular biologist and cancer genetics researcher committed to advancing precision medicine and reducing health inequalities in Africa. She currently coordinates the Genetics and Cancer Laboratory at the Institut Pasteur in Côte d’Ivoire, where she works to expand access to genetic testing and targeted cancer therapies. Her research explores genetic and biological factors influencing cancers such as colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer.

Earlier in her career, she contributed to molecular oncology research at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) in Strasbourg, focusing on genetic strategies to enhance cancer treatment responses. With a multidisciplinary background that also includes social work, Dr. Coulibaly advocates for greater representation of African scientists and improved research resources in Francophone Africa.

Prof. Jaurès Cedric Yapi is a medical microbiologist and public health specialist whose work focuses on infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular epidemiology. He currently serves as Program Consultant at Longchamp Laboratory and as Deputy Head of the Microbiology Unit at Clinique Pasteur in Côte d’Ivoire. In these roles, he contributes to strengthening laboratory diagnostics, research capacity, and health system resilience.

From 2020 to 2024, he represented Côte d’Ivoire as a Young Ambassador for the American Society for Microbiology, supporting global collaboration and scientific exchange among microbiologists. His research and advocacy emphasize the role of laboratory science in protecting public health. Through training, diagnostics, and research initiatives, Prof. Yapi works to improve disease surveillance and strengthen microbiology capacity in West Africa.

Dr. Christian Rusangwa is a physician and global health leader specializing in strengthening health systems in low-resource settings. He serves as Director of Technical Assistance at Muso, leading initiatives to expand access to high-quality healthcare at national scale in several countries across West Africa. His work focuses on strengthening primary care systems, integrating mental health services, and advocating for the recognition and support of community health workers.

Previously, Dr. Rusangwa served as Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Partners in Health Rwanda, overseeing chronic care and health system programs supporting over one million people. He also led the Cancer Center of Excellence at Butaro District Hospital. Through partnerships with governments and global institutions, he promotes scalable, evidence-based health solutions across Africa.

Dr. David Téa Okou is the first Ivorian clinical molecular geneticist. He is focused on applying molecular biology to health innovation in Africa. After studying in Côte d’Ivoire, he earned a PhD in Biochemistry in the United States. His research gained prominence at Emory University, where he investigated genetic variations affecting disease susceptibility.

In 2007, he developed a novel DNA capture method using microarrays, improving the speed and cost of identifying human genetic variations. In 2022, he returned to Côte d’Ivoire to establish genomic medicine in the country. He advocates for bridging the “genomic diversity gap,” emphasizing the importance of African populations in global medical research. He is currently developing molecular diagnostic and screening tools to improve disease prevention and healthcare outcomes across West Africa.

This award is a powerful reminder that true leadership goes beyond performance on the court — it’s about using the power of sport to advance gender equality, to make representation matter, and to open doors for those who come after us. When women and girls see themselves reflected in leadership and excellence, the path toward inclusive progress becomes clearer. I’m honored to be part of this movement for lasting change.

Receiving this Leadership Award reaffirms my belief that when Africa takes ownership of its own solutions, grounded in collective action, inclusion, and innovation, true health sovereignty becomes possible. Through initiatives like ESPEN, we see the power of partnership and evidence-based action driving us closer to the elimination of neglected tropical diseases. I am deeply honored to stand alongside those who are shaping a healthier, more equitable future for our continent.

Receiving this award is a celebration of many years of fruitful collaboration in pursuit of a shared ideal — a stronger, fairer, and healthier Africa. This recognition underscores the essential role of the media as a catalyst for change, a powerful tool to raise awareness, mobilize, and accelerate progress toward our Sustainable Development Goals. Together, we demonstrate that African leadership is nourished by partnership, perseverance, and a shared vision.

Dr. Raymonde Goudou Coffie served as Minister Governor of the Autonomous District of the Lakes in Côte d’Ivoire. From 2011 to 2021, she held key government roles, including Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Minister of Family, Women and Children, and Minister for the Modernization of Administration and Public Service Innovation.

During the West African Ebola outbreak, her leadership helped safeguard Côte d’Ivoire while strengthening disease prevention and increasing the utilization of public and private health facilities. She also contributed to national efforts to control and reduce poliomyelitis. Internationally, she served on the boards of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership and Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI). A long-standing advocate for women’s empowerment, she champions gender equality, health system resilience, and inclusive governance across national and international platforms.

I am deeply honored to be part of the Voix EssentiELLES initiative and to be recognized by Speak Up Africa. I firmly believe that including women in decision-making processes is crucial: their participation strengthens governance, amplifies the impact of health and development policies, and accelerates the achievement of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goals.

J’ai été très ravie de recevoir ce Prix du Leadership devant ma famille, mes amis, mes collègues et mes supérieurs hiérarchiques du Ministère de la Santé et de l’Action sociale. Je remercie chaleureusement Speak up Africa de m’avoir fait cet honneur et dédie cette distinction à toutes les femmes et en particulier à celles évoluant dans le domaine des technologies de l’information.

It is an honor for me to receive the Speak Up Africa Leadership Award. We are facing new challenges in the fight against malaria, such as climate change or drug and insecticide resistance, which is why the RBM Partnership is doubling its efforts to bring together stakeholders in the fight against malaria to energize and pool our common efforts to end this disease.

We are honoured to receive the Speak Up Africa Leadership Award for the tremendous team work towards social responsibility initiatives across Africa. Together with Speak Up Africa, we will continue our efforts to advance gender equity, for a more inclusive, and dynamic sports community.

I am delighted to be part of a movement and a regional initiative that aims to magnify the place of women in decision-making bodies, as a young Burkinabé, it is an immense honor to receive this recognition which motivates me all the more to bring about transformational changes at the level of Burkina Faso, the Global Fund Youth Council or the Voix EssentiELLES networks.

I would like to thank Speak Up Africa for this award in recognition of my commitment to the fight against malaria in Benin. Fighting malaria requires an unwavering commitment from everyone. The Speak Up Africa Leadership Award reinforces my conviction that we must continue our efforts until every parent can see their children grow up without fear of malaria, a disease that is completely preventable and treatable.

It is an honor to receive the Speak Up Africa Leadership Award, as it reinforces the importance of an integrated approach to eliminating neglected tropical diseases and malaria. We need the leadership of everyone, especially young people, to eliminate sustainably these diseases and ensure a bright future for our fellow citizens.

For me, Speak Up Africa is the number 10 in public health on the continent. Strategic and central to the game of sustainable development, this organization is a source of pride and success. It wears the captain’s armband for me, and I am definitely ready to return to the field to amplify the vital and African voices that Speak Up Africa brings to the front of the international stage.

Africa’s civil society organizations are filled with very dynamic young people who are powerful agents of change, and I am proud of the Via Me Association’s role alongside other CSOs partners in raising their voices. Campaigns like March to Kigali are critical for advocating for greater action against issues such as NTDs and malaria, and I look forward to continuing this partnership as we lead up to the Kigali Summit in 2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that the only way that we can address most of our health issues globally is through collaboration and equal partnerships. I am thrilled to work with organizations such as Speak Up Africa and use my expertise to educate Africans on how to prevent and treat infectious disease.

Fashion has long been recognized as a way to empower women; for many of us clothes are not simply to be worn, they are also used to make a statement. I’ve worked with and dressed many inspiring and strong women throughout my career, and it’s a pleasure to do so in support of the Generation Equality Forum. Through this show, and the other activities taking place across Africa, we strive to improve gender equality and craft the continent’s future.

With their insight, Speak Up Africa has greatly supported me with my reporting in Burkina Faso. It is critical that citizens know how to protect themselves and their loved ones from NTDs. These diseases increase the socio-economic vulnerability of populations. I am glad that I can utilize my skills to raise this much needed awareness.

Engaging Africa’s youth, journalists and other civil society organizations to join the fight against neglected tropical diseases will be essential if we want to alleviate suffering and help the 600 million people who are impacted by this sub-set of diseases. Working together with dedicated organizations like Speak Up Africa will ensure we reach our goals, and it is a great honor to be recognized by Speak Up Africa today.

Putting innovation front of stage, and building trust and engagement in it, must be at the heart of our efforts to achieve a stronger, healthier future for Africa. I am therefore proud to use my voice to ensure that our research and development sector is prioritized, to harness the collective talents of our continent’s eminent scientists and researchers.

Women’s and girls’ active engagement is key to achieving sustainable development in Africa. Receiving the Speak Up Africa Leadership Award is not only a great privilege, but also a powerful reminder of all that needs to be done to build a continent where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive and reach their full potential.