WHX Nairobi

WomenLift Health is proud to be hosting three high-level panel sessions at the World Health Expo (WHX) Nairobi from October 6th-8th 2025, a premier event set up by Informa Markets and expected to attract over 8,000 health professionals, innovators, and policy influencers from across Africa and beyond.

These sessions are part of our ongoing commitment to continue amplifying women’s leadership in health and bringing gender equity to the forefront of global and regional health conversations. Our three panel sessions will spotlight the experiences and expertise of African women leaders and allies shaping the future of health.

Our tracks will focus on digital innovation and inclusive leadership at the intersection of gender, equity, and access, each conversation grounded in real-world insights, featuring both WomenLift Health’s Global Fellows, current cohort members and leaders across health policy, technology, and service delivery. These sessions will be designed to challenge traditional leadership paradigms and offer tangible pathways to more equitable and effective health systems.

Beyond the panels, WHX Nairobi offers WomenLift Health a unique platform to deepen our regional presence, build new partnerships, and position our cohort members and global fellows as powerful voices in global health leadership within the region shifting narratives, influencing policy, and creating space for transformative leadership that reflects the diversity and strength of women across Africa’s health landscape.

For inquiries, please reach out to communications@womenlifthealth.org

Conference objectives

  • Unite Healthcare Stakeholders for Learning & Networking
  • Showcase Innovation, Investment & Regional Leadership
  • Foster Strategic Dialogue & Policy Influence

Registration is free. Please reserve your seat here:

The Right to Decide: Why SRHR Access for Women and Girls Is Essential to Sustainable Population Futures

As we marked the World Population Day on July 11th 2025, under the theme “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world,” the day invited reflection on a fundamental truth: the health and sustainability of our world depend on women’s and girls’ ability to access their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

Every reproductive health journey is rooted in autonomy and dignity, and when those rights are upheld, communities thrive. SRHR is not only a health issue; it’s a powerful lever for gender equity, economic development, and population resilience. Across Africa, women are leading this work, designing solutions, shaping systems, and breaking barriers in some of the most challenging contexts.

At WomenLift Health, we are proud to spotlight two such leaders: Elizabeth Katunga, who is expanding family planning and contraceptive access in underserved communities in Malawi, and Brigid Waliuba, who is advancing SRHR in humanitarian settings in Kenya.

Their leadership reminds us that sustainable population futures are built not only through policy, but the voices, decisions, and actions of women on the frontlines.

What is the Cost of Exclusion When SRHR Services Are Out of Reach?

E. KatungaElizabeth Katunga: Ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services is not just a health intervention, it’s a commitment to placing women and girls at the center of development. When they are empowered to make informed choices about their reproductive lives, they are better able to stay in school, participate in the workforce, and shape their communities. SRHR access builds agency, and with it, the potential for long-term social and economic transformation. But when SRHR is neglected, particularly in underserved or remote communities, the ripple effects are profound. Teenage pregnancies rise, unsafe abortions increase, and maternal mortality rates increase. Education systems are strained by dropout rates and overcrowding. Health systems buckle under the pressure of high fertility and limited resources. And entire generations of women are held back by poverty, gender inequality, and unmet potential.

The cost of inaction is more than statistical; it’s personal. It limits futures, deepens inequality, and delays progress on nearly every Sustainable Development Goal, from health and education to gender equality and poverty reduction.

Brigid WaliubaBrigid Waliuba: Unlimited access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services, particularly in underserved, remote, and crisis-affected communities, has deep, cross-cutting impacts. In sub-Saharan Africa, the unmet need for family planning is 26.9%, with only 22% of women of reproductive age and 25% of adolescent girls using modern contraceptives. This contributes to unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal mortality, especially among adolescents. East Africa, for example, has the highest teenage pregnancy rate on the continent at 21.5%, exposing girls to serious complications like obstetric fistula, poor child health outcomes, and a maternal mortality risk of 1 in 39, compared to 1 in 4,700 in industrialized countries. Without access to accurate information and youth-friendly care, these risks remain unacceptably high.  

The ripple effects are felt across sectors. Girls who become pregnant are more likely to drop out of school, limiting their future economic opportunities and reinforcing cycles of poverty. Women without access to contraception or safe abortion services face restricted choices and reduced productivity, placing additional strain on already overstretched public resources, especially in high-growth areas like informal settlements or refugee camps.

Social stigma, gender-based violence, and mental health challenges often go unaddressed, further compounding inequalities. These gaps undermine progress across multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), from health, education, and gender equality to poverty reduction and climate resilience. Without meaningful investment in SRHR and women’s leadership, population pressures will continue to outpace resources, and sustainable development will remain out of reach for the most vulnerable.

Advancing SRHR through a Human Rights Lens

E. KatungaElizabeth Katunga: Integrating the Nine Human Rights Standards into SRHR programs ensures services are safe, respectful, and rooted in choice. It means women and girls receive accurate information and confidential care and can make informed decisions without pressure. In humanitarian and remote settings, this approach helps reach the most underserved through mobile clinics, trained providers, and community outreach. When rights are prioritized, trust grows, and so does access. Women are more likely to seek and use SRHR services when they feel respected and heard.

Brigid WaliubaBrigid Waliuba: Applying the human rights principles to SRHR programs ensures services are inclusive, equitable, and responsive, especially in low-resource and humanitarian settings. It means no one is left behind, regardless of gender, age, disability, or location. A rights-based approach strengthens trust and uptake by promoting informed consent, privacy, and non-discrimination. It empowers communities, especially women and girls, to participate in shaping services that reflect their needs and realities. In low-resource settings, this approach helps rebuild disrupted systems with dignity at the core. Mobile clinics, community outreach, and feedback mechanisms make services more accessible and accountable, leading to better outcomes for those most at risk.

Designing Responsive, Accessible SRHR Services

E. KatungaElizabeth Katunga: Ensuring women and girls can fully exercise their reproductive rights requires bold, people-centered shifts. First, they must be meaningfully included in decision-making, nothing for women and girls without them. Governments need to treat SRHR as a development priority, backed by political will and funding guided by data. Integration with broader health services and investment in self-care options can ease access, especially in hard-to-reach areas. In Malawi, youth-led, community-driven outreach models are proving effective—bringing mobile services to rural communities, reducing transport burdens, and creating safe spaces for young people to access accurate information and make informed choices.

Brigid WaliubaBrigid Waliuba: Real reproductive rights go beyond access; they require bold, inclusive policies that give women and girls true agency over their bodies and lives. This starts with recognizing SRHR as a fundamental human right and embedding it into national health and social protection systems. Services must reach the last mile through mobile outreach, youth-friendly spaces, and trained community health workers, especially in rural, conflict-affected, or underserved areas.

Legal and policy reforms are also essential. Outdated laws that restrict access to contraception or criminalize abortion need urgent review. Programs must address harmful norms by engaging men and boys, prioritizing marginalized groups, and supporting feminist leadership that puts women’s voices at the center of decision-making.

To make these shifts sustainable, governments need to invest, not just financially, but structurally. This means building data systems that track gaps, financing models that protect SRHR even during crises, and accountability mechanisms that empower communities to shape and monitor services. In a world facing rising inequality and climate pressures, reproductive rights must be protected as part of a broader push for justice and resilience.

Putting Choice Within Reach: Centering Women and Girls in SRHR Delivery

E. KatungaElizabeth Katunga: By bringing SRHR services closer to communities, including in districts like Nkhatabay, Mchinji, Dedza, Balaka, Phalombe, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, and Mwanza, we reduce common barriers like transport costs and distance, especially for women and girls who often shoulder household responsibilities. This proximity increases access and gives them the space and time to receive clear, accurate information, empowering them to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. We also support youth-led outreach clinics, where young people, including adolescents and girls, organize through their own networks and request SRHR services. This model encourages autonomy from the start, allowing them to take ownership of their health and exercise their reproductive rights with confidence.

Brigid WaliubaBrigid Waliuba: At the International Rescue Committee in Kenya, we ensure our SRHR programs align with national priorities by grounding them in key policies like the Reproductive Health Policy, UHC Policy, and PHC Act. Our technical teams stay up to date with these frameworks, allowing us to integrate program goals into national and county health strategies. We rely on routine data and client feedback to track progress and respond to community needs. Regular reviews with the Ministry of Health and partners help us identify gaps and make evidence-based adjustments that improve service delivery.

In refugee-hosting areas like Turkana and Garissa, we use inclusive, client-centered design, engaging women, girls, and persons with disabilities to shape services that reflect their lived realities. We also prioritize rights-based approaches and safe feedback channels to promote accountability and trust.

Policy and Leadership for a Rights-Based Future

E. KatungaElizabeth Katunga: To uphold dignity, choice, and rights over the next decade, SRHR service delivery must be more innovative and integrated. We need to reframe SRHR as a multi-sectoral priority, embedded not just in health, but across education, gender, and even agriculture programs to drive broader development outcomes. Expanding mobile outreach clinics and investing in self-care options will be key to reaching women and girls in remote areas while easing the burden on health systems. Digital solutions, like service reminders and on-demand information, can also enhance access, especially for young people navigating their reproductive health journeys.

Brigid WaliubaBrigid Waliuba: We need bold, feminist leadership that challenges structural inequalities and centers dignity, equity, and rights in SRHR policy. Women must be equipped and supported to lead at every level. Governments must prioritize domestic financing for SRHR and move away from donor dependence. Legal reforms, particularly around abortion and adolescent access to contraception, are urgent to remove barriers and stigma. To stay responsive, programs must be grounded in evidence and real community needs. That means stronger data systems, inclusive design, youth-led networks, and cross-sector collaboration to drive lasting, rights-based change.

Rethinking Imposter Syndrome

We envision a world where diverse, accomplished leaders collectively transform health outcomes. To realize that vision, we seek to expand the power and influence of talented mid-career women in health and engage with senior institutional and societal leaders to catalyze systemic change for gender equality in health leadership. We work in East Africa, India, Nigeria, North America, and Southern Africa and continue to explore outreach to other regions.

PowerUp Workshop Series

The WomenLift Health PowerUp Workshops are a series of leadership workshops that are free and open to mid-career women working in global health. The workshops are hosted virtually by our regional hubs in East Africa, North America, South Africa, Nigeria and South Asia and focus on developing leadership skills and fostering meaningful connections between women leaders in health. The topics rotate with each event. We encourage women leaders in health around the world to join us, and use these workshops as an opportunity to learn, engage with other women leaders, and build community.  

Rethinking Imposter Syndrome

Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 2pm–4 pm EAT / 1pm–3 pm CAT/SAST

Imposter syndrome was first identified in 1978 by two psychologists, Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes. In a study of female academics, they found that many women felt that they weren’t deserving of their accomplishments. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), imposter syndrome is “a psychological pattern in which people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent, often internalized fear of being exposed as a ‘fraud’.” As a result, they engage in self-sabotage, overworking and depression. 

In 2021, WomenLift Health developed a discovery report that surveyed the experiences of women leaders in East Africa, North America, and South Asia. Our report found that 41.7% of East African women classified “lack of confidence” as a top barrier to advancing into leadership positions. According to an article in Fast Company “Imposter syndrome is a common experience among all women but has had a lasting impact amongst Black women that often hinders their ability to openly vocalize achievements and regularly share their successes”. As evidenced in our Discovery report, women and women of color often wait for others to see their potential, while their male counterparts apply a “go for it” attitude regardless of qualifications. While building confidence often occurs over time, identifying ways to mitigate self-doubt remains an ongoing challenge. Further A KPMG study finds, “75% of female executives across industries have experienced imposter syndrome in their careers, which is a feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt that makes them continuously doubt if they are qualified enough for the job”. “For women, biases and stereotypes in the workplace can foster and exacerbate those feelings of not belonging.” 

Recent publications also argue that imposter syndrome is not an innate feeling that women are born with but in fact it is the result of facing repeated exclusion and systemic bias. While we must collectively hold the system accountable, those of us who experience imposter syndrome also need strategies to counter it. We believe in the expertise, talent, and capacity of women leaders and we look forward to advancing your leadership and learning from your experience!

This Workshop

This interactive session will help you define and address imposter syndrome and work with others to identify potential gaps to improve your confidence.   

In this two-hour workshop, you will:  

  • Recognize imposter syndrome and look for ways to overcome it.
  • Focus on learning from specific experiences that are highly relevant.
  • Identify experiences that will prepare you to lead more effectively within the context of your job, role, and organization

Registration Details

You are eligible for the workshop if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • Identify as a woman
  • Live and work in East and Southern Africa countries
  • Are a mid-career global health professional*

This virtual workshop will be conducted in the English language and is free of cost.

WomenLift Health PowerUp Workshops are interactive. By signing up, participants agree to participate in the full session, which includes plenary discussions and breakout group activities.

Enrollment will be on a first-come-first-served basis, as spots are limited.

*Although women at all career stages are welcome to register, we believe participants who are at the mid-career stage will benefit most, as the content of the workshop has been designed with mid-career women health professionals in mind (10–25 years of experience working in the global health sector). If the number of registrants exceeds our capacity, women who are within the preferred experience range will be given priority.

Registrants should await an email confirming their spot in the workshop. Please check your spam folders if you did not receive an email.

Unmasking the Appeal: It’s time to take action against Tobacco smoking for Youth’s in Namibia

Established in 1987 by the World Health Organization (WHO), World No Tobacco Day is an annual event typically observed on May 31st. This year, 2025, is no different under the theme Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products. Our 2025 East Africa Global Fellow, Dr. Lorenta Ojo, highlights the need for us to be change makers in preserving virtues among young people in Namibia to break the cycle of tobacco addiction.

Smoking refers to inhaling and exhaling the smoke from burning tobacco or other substances. It is a primary method of consuming tobacco and is associated with numerous health risks, including respiratory disease, cardiovascular conditions, and various forms of cancer. As of 2022, approximately 20% of adults worldwide were tobacco users, a decline from about 33% in 2000. Tobacco use is responsible for over 8 million deaths annually, with more than 7 million resulting from direct tobacco use and about 1.3 million from exposure to second-hand smoke. An estimated 37 million children aged 13–15 are currently using some form of tobacco.

In 2022, about 11.2% of Namibians aged 15 and over were smokers. This included 19.2% of men and 4.0% of women. Among Namibian youth aged 13–15, 31.1% reported using tobacco products, with rates of 31.9% for boys and 29.9% for girls. Tobacco use accounts for approximately 4.1% of all deaths in Namibia, equating to over 1,000 smoking-related deaths each year and the economic burden of smoking in Namibia is estimated at over 1.18 billion Namibian dollars annually.

Beyond the smoke lies a concealed truth. Picture a realm where the dull pall of tobacco smoke blots out the bright hues of youth. A realm in which the purity of childhood is exploited by companies determined to ensnare the upcoming generation in nicotine addiction. This isn’t a bleak future—it’s the reality we face today. World No Tobacco Day 2025 shines a spotlight on the deceptive tactics employed by the tobacco and nicotine industries. This year’s theme, Unmasking the Appeal, aims to reveal how these industries manipulate product designs and marketing strategies to make harmful products attractive, especially to young people with a purpose to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and disease it causes.

Low-income communities are often targeted due to their limited access to health education and services. I have a story close to home to tell. Amina, a 16-year-old student from Windhoek, Namibia, was introduced to vaping through a social media challenge. The device was sleek, flavored like mango, and seemed harmless. Within months, Amina found herself dependent, experiencing withdrawal symptoms and declining academic performance. Her story is not unique; it’s a narrative shared by countless youths around the world.

I reside in Namibia, and last year, the Oshikoto region celebrated World No Tobacco Day. I was fortunate to be part of the organizing committee for this event held in the Tsumeb district. We invited a former tobacco user turned youth advocate to deliver a speech aimed at the younger generation, highlighting the reasons to avoid tobacco habits. He shared how tobacco had imprisoned him, stealing his energy, money, confidence, and peace of mind; how it affected his breathing; and how it caused him to lose focus in class. I was surprised by the number of youths already engaged in this vice, many of whom seemed reluctant to break the habit. They found enjoyment and satisfaction in vaping and smoking, overlooking the associated drawbacks.

These disadvantages can encompass both immediate and long-term health risks such as addiction, cardiovascular problems, oral health issues, hindered lung development, and lung cancer. Beyond physical health, we must also consider the effects on mental health; substance use has been associated with depression and anxiety, fostering cycles of dependency.

Additionally, there are academic and social ramifications stemming from diminished concentration and memory, involvement with risky peer groups, or behaviors that lead to breaches of school policies and ultimately result in suspensions, disciplinary records, and potential expulsion. Furthermore, there is a heightened risk of trying out other substances, including alcohol, marijuana, or harder drugs (gateway effect). Lastly, the economic strain is significant, as young individuals often allocate money from essential needs, apprenticeship fees, or educational expenses to support their habits. Over time, substance abuse also leads to increased medical expenses and decreased productivity.

What does this year’s theme signify? Through Unmasking the Appeal, our goals are to: Educate by increasing awareness of the tobacco industry’s manipulative tactics; Advocate for tighter regulations on tobacco advertising, particularly those aimed at youth; and protect future generations from the health hazards linked to tobacco and nicotine use.

Through all of this, there is a ‘Call to Action’. We are called to Be the Change. This call is out to everyone. Parents and Guardians are to engage in open conversations with their children about the dangers of tobacco and nicotine products. Educators should incorporate tobacco education into school curricula to inform students early. Youths, use your voice on social media to spread awareness and resist the glamorization of tobacco use and Policymakers, please implement and enforce laws restricting tobacco products’ marketing and sale to minors.

Let’s emphasize the situation. Despite a global decrease in smoking rates, Namibia has seen a minor rise in smoking prevalence, especially among men. This trend highlights the necessity for improved tobacco control strategies and public health initiatives to reduce tobacco use along with its related health and economic consequences. In conclusion, combating tobacco goes beyond personal choices; it involves confronting the systems that sustain addiction.

REFERENCES

  1. Namibian Sun. (2024, June 19). Namibia reviews tobacco law. https://www.namibiansun.com/health/namibia-reviews-tobacco-law2024-06-19
  2. Our World in Data. (n.d.). Smoking. https://ourworldindata.org/smoking
  3. Pan American Health Organisation. (2024). World No Tobacco Day 2025: Unmasking the Appeal. Retrieved from https://www.paho.org/en/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day-2025
  1. Vital Strategies & Tobacco Atlas. (n.d.). Namibia country profile. Tobacco Atlas. https://tobaccoatlas.org/factsheets/namibia/
  2. World Health Organisation. (2024, January 16). Global Tobacco Trends Report 2024. United Nations Office at Geneva Newsroom. https://www.unognewsroom.org/teleprompter/en/2014/global-tobacco-trends-report-who-16-january-2024
  3. World Health Organisation. (2024). World No Tobacco Day 2025: Unmasking the Appeal. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news/item/11-11-2024-no-tobacco-day-2025–unmasking-the-appeal
  4. Health Organisation. (n.d.). World No Tobacco Day. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day/2025

Mental Health Awareness Month: A Conversation on Mental Health in Africa with Hildegarde Mukasakindi

Mental health remains one of the most pressing yet under-addressed challenges globally, especially among young people. Across the African continent, millions of young people face stressors that deeply affect their mental well-being. To mark the world Mental Health Awareness Month, we sat down with Hildegarde Mukasakindi, Clinical Instructor at Partners In Health in Rwanda and a 2025 WomenLift Health East Africa Global Fellow, to unpack the state of mental health in Africa. Drawing from her work in community-based mental health care, Hildegarde shares timely insights on stigma, resilience, leadership, and how we can collectively create a healthier future.

  1. What are some of the primary drivers of mental health challenges among African youth today?

A 2021 study on mental health in Sub-Saharan Africa revealed that one in seven children and adolescents live with mental health problems, and one in ten meet the criteria for psychiatric diagnosis. Further, the prevalence of mental health challenges in adolescents affected by HIV/AIDS, exposure to violence, and poverty stands at 29% for depression, 19.3% for anxiety, 27% for post-traumatic stress (PTS), and 11.6% for suicidality.

Young people who are socio-economically vulnerable—like those experiencing poverty, inadequate access to basic needs, unemployment, exposure to violence and conflict, and orphanhood—are more susceptible to mental health problems. Other vulnerabilities like high social media usage, social pressures, conflict, alcohol and drug abuse, and inadequate access to supportive systems also raise vulnerability that if ignored could develop into mental health challenges. 

  1. How have health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis impacted mental health across the continent?

COVID-19 brought about mass psychological distress, with high rates of mental health challenges including increased anxiety, depression, and insomnia reported during the pandemic. This was not only due to the loss of loved ones and increased economic hardship as a result of job losses, but also because of interventions such as quarantine, social distancing and isolation, which were psychologically draining and exacerbated loneliness, uncertainty, and stress.

The climate crisis causes additional psychological stressors. Eco-anxiety is a chronic fear that aligns with environmental degradation and its impacts, affecting many Africans. Droughts, floods, desertification, and food deficits threaten livelihoods, displace communities, and deepen poverty. These environmental processes fuel uncertainty and despair, undermining resilience and dampening the desire to participate in climate adaptation activities.

Overall, the interconnection of infectious disease, climate change, and socio-economic status creates a cumulative driver of mental health challenges in Africa. Efforts to combat such effects must be multidisciplinary in nature—integrating mental health services and enhancing community resilience, access to basic resources, and support from governments and other stakeholders.

  1. How can we address stigma to encourage more open conversations around mental health and improve access to mental health services?

Reduction of stigma at the community level requires a multi-intervention strategy consisting of robust mental health policies, education, community engagement, quality mental health care and empowerment programs.

Skills training in areas such as maintaining health following a diagnosis of mental illness, identifying strengths and goal setting, planning personal recovery, enhancing social skills, confronting stigma and violence, and improving livelihoods can empower those living with mental health disorders.

In addition, the integration of mental health care into national health systems can help deliver support more seamlessly and make it less stigmatizing. If mental health treatment is included as a routine part of care, seeking help becomes normalized and the rights of individuals with mental disorders can be better protected.

Establishing a culture of open communication, increasing access to quality care, and empowering affected persons comprise the key measures towards reducing stigma and improving mental well-being in African societies.

  1. Based on your extensive experience in delivering community-based mental health services, how has mental health care in Africa evolved over the past decade?

The past 10 years have been a welcome movement towards more equitable access to mental health care through community-based approaches in Africa. While some African countries have endorsed and implemented policies and programs to integrate mental health into primary health care, challenges around effective implementation, limited resources, inadequate infrastructure and training among medical professionals, together with stigma, persist.

That said, commendable efforts have been made to develop community-based, culturally appropriate, sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable interventions across Africa.

In Rwanda, for example, the Mentorship and Enhanced Supervision at Health Centers for Mental Health (MESH-MH) program, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Partners In Health, is aimed at strengthening primary health care by providing treatment of severe and common mental illnesses through community-based care, as per Rwanda’s National Mental Health Policy.

In Ethiopia, an integrated district-level model of delivering mental health care utilizing task-sharing has effectively filled the treatment gap in addressing severe mental disorders in rural environments. In Ghana, Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs) have been successful implemented in rural settings. In Zimbabwe, psychological intervention with peer support is provided through the Friendship Bench program in rural settings to combat depression.

These are examples of community-level interventions with promising results and effectiveness in meeting mental health needs and yielding positive health outcomes. Scaling up these programs to aid in closing the treatment gap for mental disorders in Africa would make a significant difference to expanding and strengthening mental health care.

  1. Africa is home to six of the top ten countries with the highest suicide rates in the world. As a leader in global health, what role do you believe leadership plays in addressing the challenges around mental health in Africa?

Suicide is a critical public health issue that warrants urgent attention. Every 40 seconds someone takes his or her own life, and at least 90% of suicide victims are thought to suffer from a mental disorder, with approximately 60% of them being depressed at the time of death.

Young adults and adolescents aged 15 to 30 years are a high-risk group for suicide, which results from the interaction between biological, genetic, psychological, sociological, cultural, and environmental factors, as well as untreated mental health conditions.

Bold, inclusive, and transformative leadership is required to address the rising suicide rates across Africa. Such leadership should reinforce comprehensive policy reforms that place mental health within the overall agenda of public health, with adequate financing, resource mobilization, and the establishment of culturally appropriate, context-specific mental health services.

In addition, inclusive leadership should involve multiple stakeholders— community leaders, youth, women, and even traditional healers—to tackle the stigma around mental health. Mainstreaming mental health conversations and practice into everyday life fosters trust and ownership by the community. The participatory approach also creates supportive mechanisms that include family, friends, religious groups, community associations, and social networks. Enabling constructive engagement reinforces community resilience and mental well-being.

While such support networks can reduce suicidal risk, they cannot eliminate it. Transformational leadership must transcend ingrained systemic barriers, facilitate early recognition and treatment of mental health disorders, and advocate for the integration of mental health into the broader development agendas. It is also necessary to advocate for data-driven approaches to monitor progress and modify interventions accordingly.

  1. You are a strong advocate for community-based mental health care. Can you elaborate on the benefits of this approach and how it can be scaled up effectively?

Community-based mental health care enhances access to services, reduces stigma, improves medication adherence, prevents chronicity of illness, and is cost-effective, especially in low-income settings. They also limit long waiting times and lead to better health outcomes.

In addition, community-based mental health services promote culturally responsive and holistic approaches that enable individuals to receive services in comfortable, familiar environments. Engaging stakeholders from within communities enables frank discussions about mental health, which heightens awareness, acceptability, promotes early detection of mental illnesses, and reduces stigma. Facilitating the provision of care closer to patients’ homes also allows patients to remain close to their families, form meaningful relationships, avoid social isolation, and enhance community ownership and better health outcomes.

Scaling up mental health care in the community requires a multi-faceted approach to develop supportive national policies, build political will, engage communities and allocate funding, which are all critical steps. Prioritizing cost-effective interventions and leveraging data for ongoing improvement all contribute to sustainability of effective mental health care services.

Putting these measures in place can dramatically improve access, limit disparities, and improve mental health outcomes among populations.

  1. How can we better engage African youth in mental health advocacy and empower them to be part of the solution?

Integrating mental health education into school curricula and youth programs can increase awareness, enhance knowledge, and promote early help seeking to boost resilience. Providing training and leadership opportunities enables young people to serve as peer educators and advocates, teaching them with a sense of ownership and responsibility.

In today’s digital world, leveraging technology—mobile applications, online support groups, social media—is key to engaging more youth and making mental health conversations more accessible and engaging.

Including the youth as partners in policymaking and program design will also ensure their needs and concerns are heard, resulting in more effective interventions. Through education, youth-friendly forums, and participatory engagement, we can empower the youth to amplify mental health awareness and advocacy and influence systems of care in Africa.

  1. Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the future of mental health care in Africa, and what steps do you believe are crucial to achieving these goals?

My hope is that mental well-being becomes an integral part of daily life for everyone at every stage of life. Just as we promote exercise and nutrition to improve physical health, we need to foster a culture of mental wellness by empowering individuals from a young age to thrive in spite of adversity and build resilience.

I call for leadership with a ripple effect—policy informing, resource organizing, and community stimulating toward a shared vision of improved mental health resilience and well-being in Africa.

Hildegarde Mukasakindi is a Clinical Instructor for the Mental Health Program at Partners In Health (Rwanda) and a 2025 WomenLift Health global Fellow

Authentic Leadership East Africa PowerUp Workshop

We envision a world where diverse, accomplished leaders collectively transform health outcomes. To realize that vision, we seek to expand the power and influence of talented mid-career women in health and engage with senior institutional and societal leaders to catalyze systemic change for gender equality in health leadership. We work in East Africa, India, Nigeria, North America, and Southern Africa and continue to explore outreach to other regions.

PowerUp Workshop Series

The PowerUp Workshops series are free and open to mid-career women working in global health in all the regions we work. The workshops are hosted virtually, focus on developing leadership skills, and fostering meaningful connections between women leaders in health within a regional context. The topics rotate with each workshop. We encourage women leaders in global health in each region to join us, and use these workshops as an opportunity to learn, engage with other women leaders, and build community.

Authentic Leadership

Thursday July 3, 2025, at 2pm–4pm EAT / 1pm–3pm CAT/SAST

This interactive session will help you define and address Authentic Leadership and work with others to identify potential gaps to improve your confidence and lead authentically.

In this 2 hour session, you will:

  • Explore the meaning and value of authentic leadership
  • Identify your core values and associated behaviors through self-reflection and feedback from others
  • Reflect upon how to remain true to yourself while also stretching beyond your comfort zone.
  • Describe how you want others to experience you as a leader

Background

In this workshop, we will explore the power of authenticity in leadership through a highly participatory workshop. Individual prompts, small-group dialogue, and full-group discussions provide opportunities to reflect on what authenticity means for you and how you might bring more of yourself into your leadership. This workshop provides an opportunity to pause, reflect, and gain deeper insight into who you are as an individual and as a leader.

This session is designed to enhance emotional intelligence and support the mindset shift needed to solve systemic challenges faced by leaders in today’s complex and diverse environments. This workshop does not aim to “fix” you; rather, it aims to create a safe and brave space where you can take up shifts in mindset and perspective.

Registration Details

You are eligible for the workshop if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • Identify as a woman
  • Live and work in East and Southern Africa countries
  • Are a mid-career global health professional*

This virtual workshop will be conducted in the English language and is free of cost.

WomenLift Health PowerUp Workshops are interactive. By signing up, participants agree to participate in the full session, which includes plenary discussions and breakout group activities.

Enrollment will be on a first-come-first-served basis, as spots are limited.

*Although women at all career stages are welcome to register, we believe participants who are at the mid-career stage will benefit most, as the content of the workshop has been designed with mid-career women health professionals in mind (10–25 years of experience working in the global health sector). If the number of registrants exceeds our capacity, women who are within the preferred experience range will be given priority.

Registrants should await an email confirming their spot in the workshop. Please check your spam folders if you did not receive an email.

Menstrual Health Matters: Why It Deserves More Than Products and Silence

We never forget the day we had our first period. We remember not just what happened to our bodies, but how the world around us reacted. Or didn’t.

Some of us were given vague instructions while others were told not to speak about it. If you were lucky, you got a bit of guidance, but honestly it seems most of us learned through trial and error. The lasting message was that menstruation was something to hide. That silence hasn’t gone away.

Yes, there is more public discussion than before. But most of it still focuses on one thing access to products. This definitely matters. Pads and tampons should be available and affordable. No one should miss school or work because they don’t have what they need. But menstrual health is about more than what we use to manage the physical flow of blood.

It’s about how we feel, and whether we are taken seriously when something is wrong. Many people live with menstrual disorders they’ve never heard of. Heavy bleeding, extreme pain, mood changes, and infertility are often dismissed as “just part of being a woman.” Conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder are common, yet rarely diagnosed early. The saddest part is some never get a diagnosis at all.

In low-resource settings, the silence is even deeper. We’ve met girls who miss class each month and fall behind. Women who keep working through pain because they can’t afford to stop, and therefore are not working at 100%. Health workers who don’t know what to look for or what to say, and are in fact encouraged to dismiss what women are experiencing as ‘normal. The result of this approach to women’s health is not just discomfort. Women and girls experience missed opportunities, financial implications, and poor quality of life with some experiencing significant negative mental and physical health impact.

In the workplace, menstruation can be the hidden reason a woman is absent or underperforming. A survey in Rwanda found nearly 23% of employed women had missed work due to lack of menstrual product. Women in informal jobs who have to take a day off lose income they can’t spare.

Some women stop applying for permanent jobs because they worry about managing heavy flow in public or the missed days due to debilitating pain. Some students drop out because they fall too far behind and many of us go years without understanding that their pain is not normal. This is what happens when menstrual health is left out of the health agenda.

Are We Moving in the Right Direction?

In Kenya, Uganda and other African countries, reusable pads and menstrual cups are being distributed through schools and women’s groups. Schools are also starting to train teachers to talk openly about periods. The East African Community has taken early steps to set shared standards for menstrual products and countries like Rwanda and South Africa have removed taxes on pads. These are small but important steps because the trickle from the tap has started. But we’re still far from where we need to be, because there’s barely any public health investment in menstrual health, and most health workers aren’t trained to recognize menstrual disorders. We need to move to the next step and open the tap fully.

So, what still needs to happen?

  • Funding menstrual health as part of sexual and reproductive health, not just under education or WASH. We need to address menstrual disorders such as endometriosis and recognise their debilitating effects on quality of life.
  • Train health workers to not only identify but correctly manage menstrual disorders with the same urgency as other conditions.
  • Support policies that give people flexibility during their period, including menstrual leave where needed and developing workplace policies.
  • Bring men and boys into the conversation, not as bystanders, but as supporters and leaders.

And ask better questions.

What would your school or clinic look like if menstrual pain was treated seriously?
What would change if periods were no longer whispered about, but addressed with the same clarity as any other health issue?

Each of us can help by talking about periods without discomfort. Share correct information. Listen when someone says they are in pain. Small actions like these build trust and shift how we see menstrual health. You don’t need to be a health expert to make a difference. You just need to care enough to stop pretending this doesn’t matter.

Menstrual health belongs in every conversation about health and is part of public health. It’s time we treated it that way.

The Writer is an obstetrician gynaecologist and global health specialist

African Women Leading the Charge: Spotlight on Immunization Champions – World Immunization Week 2025

Each year, World Immunization Week (24–30 April) reminds us that immunization save lives, but behind every successful immunization campaign is a workforce of determined individuals, many of them women, working tirelessly in communities across Africa.

From bustling cities to the most remote villages, African women are leading the charge to protect children, families and communities from preventable diseases. They are community health workers, nurses, data managers, researchers, and advocates. And increasingly, they are stepping into leadership roles to shape the future of public health. But their journeys are often marked by obstacles, systemic gender inequities, limited mentorship opportunities, and a lack of representation in high-level decision-making.

At WomenLift Health, we are committed to expanding the power and influence of these talented women. The WomenLift Health Leadership Journey in the African region (East Africa, Southern Africa, and Nigeria) seeks to equip mid to senior career women in public health with the tools, skills, support, and networks they need to lead transformative change, including in immunization.

These women are not just part of an immunization workforce; they are shaping the very future of public health.

We took a moment to celebrate more than just the science of vaccines, and honour the people making immunization happen every day, in every corner of Africa. Often, they are women, leading quietly but powerfully from the front lines to the highest levels of health systems.

In the spotlight are three such women: Anna Ursula Happel (Southern Africa cohort, 2025), Fumane Lekoala (Southern Africa cohort, 2025) and Constance Agwang (East Africa cohort, 2025). Through their leadership, passion, and resilience, they exemplify what’s possible when women are empowered to lead.

Q: What does it mean to be a woman working in immunization in Africa today?

Anna-Ursula Bio PhotoAnna: Being a woman scientist working in immunization in Africa today means using research to drive real-world impact, especially for infants, who are among the most vulnerable. My work focuses on improving vaccine responses in early life, and it’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to solutions that give children a healthier start. It also means advocating for equity in science and helping pave the way for more women to lead in Public Health.

Fumane Lekoala (Southern Africa cohort, 2025) Bio PhotoFumane: Being a woman working in immunization in Africa today is both deeply rewarding and profoundly challenging. It means being at the forefront of community transformation, ensuring health equity, and advocating tirelessly to protect our future generations from preventable diseases. It’s about navigating complex health systems, building trust in communities, and continuously championing gender-inclusive leadership despite persistent barriers.

Connie Agwang Bio PhotoConstance: Working in Immunization in Africa means resilience. Women in immunization in Africa face discrimination and security challenges, often limiting their ability to reach remote or conflict-stricken communities. There’s also a persistent marginalization of women from decision-making spaces, which negatively impacts health outcomes. Health systems perform better when women, who deliver much of the care, have an equal say in their design and delivery.

Q: What challenges do women in immunization leadership face?

Anna: As a translational scientist focused on maternal and paediatric health, I see women in the immunization field facing barriers like limited visibility, fewer funding opportunities, and challenges translating lab work into practice. Despite driving key research, they’re underrepresented in decision-making spaces. There’s also the ongoing challenge of balancing scientific careers with societal expectations, which can hinder career progression. Closing these gaps is essential for both gender equity and advancing vaccine science.

Fumane: Women in immunization leadership frequently encounter systemic gender biases, limited access to mentorship and networks, and underrepresentation in key decision-making roles. These challenges make it essential to actively build supportive environments where women’s leadership is not just acknowledged but celebrated and integrated into health systems at all levels.

Constance:  While women show extraordinary strength ensuring vaccines reach the most vulnerable, they frequently face discrimination, poor pay, unsafe working conditions, and gender-based violence (GBV). Often concentrated in lower-level roles, women make up most community health workers and nurses but only about 25–30% of leadership roles in global health organizations. This leadership gap affects not just career progression, but the quality of care delivered to communities. According to the centre for strategic and international studies (CSIS), women account for just 31% and 27% of ministers of health and heads of World Health Assembly delegations, respectively and 25% of the heads and boards of global health organizations guiding decision making. This leadership gap can make it difficult for them to advocate for better working conditions and improvements in quality of care for patients and their families.

Q: What’s the real-world impact of investing in women’s leadership in immunization?

Anna: Investing in women’s leadership in immunization has a direct impact on improving vaccine research, access and uptake, especially in underserved communities. Women in leadership roles bring unique perspectives, ensuring that immunization strategies are both scientifically sound and culturally relevant, particularly in maternal and paediatric health. This leads to more effective, equitable vaccination programs that ultimately save lives and reduce health disparities.

Fumane: Investing in women’s leadership in immunization has transformative outcomes. It not only enhances the effectiveness of vaccine programs but also significantly improves community trust and participation. Empowered women leaders drive equitable access to vaccines, especially reaching those in marginalized and hard-to-access areas, thus creating sustainable improvements in public health outcomes across Africa.

Constance: To achieve universal health coverage, more efforts need to be put in place to address existing gender barriers in child immunization (Vidal Fuertes C et al, 2022). Studies have shown that increasing gender equity and empowering women have the potential to improve global childhood vaccination rates. In addition, studies have also shown that maternal education is significantly associated with immunization coverage for women and their children. Women with a significant level of education are more likely to understand the immunization routines and read cards better compared to their uneducated counterparts. Limited literacy levels may also diminish the ability of women to appreciate the importance of multiple vaccination visits. (Arsenault C et al, 2017)

QnA with Dr. Fridah Mwendia: International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Women in STEM: Advancing Clinical Research as a Path to Sustainable Development

Women are transforming clinical research, bringing empathy, inclusivity, and innovation at the forefront of global health leadership. This is vital to achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in advancing good health and well-being (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), and innovation (SDG 9).

In marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science; we caught up with Dr. Fridah Mwendia, Market Development Specialist for Africa at IQVIA and WomenLift Health’s 2024 East Africa cohort member, who in this blog article shares insights on how women in clinical research are driving gender-responsive interventions, enhancing equal access to healthcare, and pushing for innovative pathways that benefit communities.

 

What has been your journey to becoming a leader in market development for clinical research in Africa

 

 

Dr Fridah Mwendia headshotMy journey into clinical research wasn’t a straight path—it has been a mix of curiosity, resilience, and an unwavering belief that Africa is more than just a participant in global health—it’s a leader in the making. From my early days in clinical research, I started my career asking tough questions: Why are certain populations underrepresented in trials? Why do life-saving treatments take so long to reach Africa? These questions led me to incredible opportunities, and over time I’ve been able to bridge global expertise with local needs, driving clinical trial and innovation across the continent. It’s been a process of utter learning, unlearning, and making sure clinical trials in Africa are sustainable, equitable, and truly representative. Every day, I get to bring people together—sponsors, researchers, and policymakers—to rethink what’s possible.

How do women in clinical research contribute to the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?

Women and girls bring to the fore a unique lens to science—one that prioritizes empathy, inclusivity, and community-driven solutions. The UN’s 2030 agenda and the Africa 2063 agenda emphasize good health, gender equality, and innovation—three areas where women in science are already making great progress. Whether it’s leading vaccine research, advocating for more inclusive study designs, or ensuring that indigenous and rural communities aren’t left behind, women have been crucial in clinical research, ensuring that solutions meet the actual requirements of many populations, therefore increasing the sustainability and influence of science.

In what ways can women leaders employ AI and machine learning in clinical research?

Artificial intelligence and machine learning aren’t just buzzwords; these are set to revolutionize clinical research in ways we’ve only begun to imagine. For example, AI is transforming the discovery, testing, and delivery of medicines by anticipating disease outbreaks, personalizing therapies, and automating trial processes. However, technology’s efficacy is contingent upon the individuals who influence its development. The absence of women’s active involvement in AI-driven research and trial processes poses a risk of creating systems that overlook, misrepresent, or amplify biases in healthcare. AI is changing the rules of the game, but it’s up to us to make sure it changes them for the better.

In what ways can clinical research, particularly in the areas of vaccines and public health, create more job opportunities for women?

Vaccines and public health are where science meets society, making them powerful career paths for women who want to lead change in global health, not just study it. Whether it’s driving vaccine equity, strengthening pandemic preparedness, or designing community-centered trials, women present a distinctive ability to blend data with empathy—something the world needs now more than ever. But opportunity doesn’t just happen; it must be created. We need more funding for women-led research, more leadership programs targeting women in STEM, and more women sitting at the policy and decision-making tables to make policies that empower women to thrive in these fields.

How have women-led initiatives contributed to driving patient-centered innovation in public health?

When women lead, patients win. Women’s leadership ensures community perspectives are heard, guarantees inclusive research designs, and gives equal access to healthcare solutions a top priority. Take the push for gender-responsive health policies; women leaders in these spaces have made sure that clinical recommendations take into account how diseases impact men and women differently, therefore guiding more tailored treatments. It’s not just about innovation; it’s about impact as well.

What strategies may be implemented to promote women’s advancement into leadership positions within clinical research?

Representation is just the first step; real change happens when we move beyond visibility to deliberate inclusion. Second, we must provide mentorship and sponsorship opportunities—women supporting women. Mentorship is great, but sponsorship is even better. Women need champions in leadership who don’t just offer advice but actively open doors—advocating for promotions, funding research ideas, and ensuring women have a seat at the decision-making table. Finally, allyship matters. Men in leadership positions must recognize that gender equity in clinical research isn’t just a “women’s issue.” It’s about better science, stronger teams, and more impactful research outcomes. At the Clinical Research Society of Kenya, we are building networks where women don’t just find opportunities; they create them. Because when one woman rises, she brings many with her.

How can we amplify the voices of women in clinical research and pharmaceuticals?

Making room and passing the mic. Women in research are doing groundbreaking work, but too often, their contributions are treated as footnotes rather than headlines. That must change. We need to amplify women’s voices at global conferences, in industry publications, on executive boards, and in policymaking circles. This means ensuring more women are keynote speakers, peer reviewers, and recipients of major scientific awards. Media and industry leaders must also step up—highlighting women’s achievements not as “inspirational stories” but as critical advancements in science.

What policy changes are necessary to increase women’s participation in clinical research and global health?

It all starts with institutional commitment—equal pay, parental leave, funding for women-led trials, and gender-responsive research policies. We must move from token inclusion to systemic change, ensuring women aren’t just participating in research but leading it at every level. Systemic change requires systemic action. We can’t rely on goodwill alone—policies must be in place to level the playing field for women in clinical research.

Women in STEM not only contribute to science; we revolutionize it. Through leadership, innovation, or advocacy, we must ensure that clinical research transcends mere discovery to have meaningful impact. As we advocate for enhanced equity, representation, and leadership, one thing is clear—this is just the beginning. I take pride in being a member of our movement, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve next.

World Cancer Day: Women Leaders Advancing People-Centered Cancer Care

Every cancer diagnosis carries a unique story—one of grief, resilience, healing, and love. That’s why a people-centered approach to cancer care, which prioritizes individual needs with compassion and empathy, leads to the best outcomes.

For World Cancer Day 2025, the theme “United by Unique” underscores the importance of putting people at the heart of care. It highlights that each person affected by cancer has distinct needs and experiences that must be recognized in the fight against the disease.

WomenLift Health acknowledges the crucial role of women leaders in shaping global health, particularly in cancer care. Their leadership ensures that policies, research, and care models address the unique needs of cancer patients, advocating for personalized, compassionate treatment.

To mark World Cancer Day, we spoke with our 2024 Leadership Journey Cohort Members, Dr. Angela Kathure Mule (Patient Journey Partner, Roche Kenya Ltd; East Africa) and Bhavana Issar (Founder & CEO, Caregiver Saathi; India), about the importance of centering people in cancer care. Their conversation focused on reimagining health systems to prioritize patient needs and the vital role women leaders play in shaping personalized, compassionate cancer care delivery.

Putting People at the Center of Cancer Care: A Leadership Perspective

Dr. Angela Mule: Putting people at the center of cancer care means being a steadfast advocate for patients, ensuring their voices are consistently heard within the healthcare system. It involves being both curious and empathetic while gaining a deep understanding of the entire cancer care pathway, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, reintegration, palliative, and end-of-life care. It’s about ensuring patients receive the care they need when they need it.

Bhavana Issar: Cancer impacts people in many ways – not just the patient, but also the caregivers, healthcare practitioners, and well-wishers. Its debilitating effects, which are financial, social, and emotional, can sometimes transcend generations. Putting people at the center of cancer care means being compassionate toward the social and emotional implications that can make both the patient and their caregivers vulnerable in ways they may not have the language or comprehension for. It calls for compassion from society, institutions, and governments in building resilient systems that can support patients and their families through the cancer care journey, and often beyond it.

It is also important for caregivers to heal from the aftermath of the journey, regardless of the treatment or cure for the patient.

Reimagining Health Systems for Patient-Centered Cancer Care

Dr. Angela Mule: Healthcare systems must be designed to meet the needs of cancer patients. This starts with investing in health promotion and disease prevention, such as national cancer screening programs, which bring services closer to communities. Integrating cancer screening into primary care can reduce treatment costs and improve early diagnosis, which is more cost-effective and has a higher likelihood of cure. Additionally, ensuring vaccines for preventable cancers reaches every eligible person is key.

We also need to create systems that ensure timely referrals to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment. Patient-centric care removes delays with seamless referral mechanisms, quickly guiding patients from diagnosis to treatment. Digital tools can support this by enabling access to health records and eliminating the need for repeated costly tests.

The role of healthcare workers is crucial. Primary care workers are often the first point of contact, so it’s essential they receive proper training and are equipped to recognize cancer symptoms. Moreover, health systems must have enough trained workers to meet the population’s needs, requiring investment in specialized oncology training for various healthcare professionals. Health financing is also key—many cancer patients in the Global South face high out-of-pocket costs. Resources must be allocated for equitable and accessible cancer care.

Bhavana Issar: Health and care systems that are compassionate toward all stakeholders in patient-centered care must communicate, educate, and support the patient, caregivers, and the community in appropriate ways. These systems should be capable of responding to emergencies, facilitating illness treatment, acknowledging the mental and emotional impact of the illness, and providing personalized support systems that help patients and families navigate the complexities of cancer care.

The ideal health and care systems strike an optimal balance between human touch and technology, ensuring that healthcare is accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it. Such systems must be innovative and resourceful enough to overcome barriers related to affordability, accessibility, and ability (including language, digital literacy, and cognitive abilities).

Ultimately, effective health systems should be adaptable and applicable not only to cancer but also to other life-limiting conditions, diseases, and disorders.

The Vital Role of Women Leaders in Advancing Compassionate Cancer Treatment

Dr. Angela Mule: Women leaders contribute diverse perspectives and represent women’s voices in global health decisions. Since women are disproportionately affected by cancer, are often caregivers, and make up a large portion of healthcare workers, their inclusion ensures health systems respond to these unique needs. Empowering women leads to more inclusive patient advocacy, reducing gender-based health disparities and improving outcomes.

Bhavana Issar: Women leaders can understand and leverage feminine leadership traits to build and nurture collaborative, sustainable structures that are non-hierarchical and create space for debate, dialogue, and dissent.

Additionally, we can work to deepen understanding and educate individuals and institutions on what it truly means to be “compassionate” in a meaningful way. A compassionate approach should follow a 4Win model—ensuring a win-win for all parties involved, as well as a win-win in both the short and long term.

Shifting from Statistics to Individuals: Transforming Cancer Care Delivery

Dr. Angela Mule: A key change I would like to see is prioritizing and funding cancer care. Cancer patients often feel overlooked and viewed as burdens rather than as individuals in need of care. There is a misconception that cancer is a death sentence, leading to a lack of investment. I want to see leaders and policymakers commit to funding cancer care adequately.

Cancer isn’t just a statistic—it’s a lived experience. It’s time to invest in cancer care, recognizing its vital impact on individuals, families, communities, and the global economy.

Bhavana Issar: As an advocate for caregivers, one key change that I would like to see in the delivery of cancer care is the adoption and appreciation of a trans-disciplinary approach to systems thinking and problem solving. Such an approach will help us innovate and reimagine healthcare systems that are meaningful and compassionate.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are solely those of the individuals and do not reflect the views or positions of their employers or any affiliated organizations.