Introducing GHC's Inaugural Africa Leadership Accelerator Cohort
Join us in welcoming our 2024-2025 cohort of health equity leaders from across the Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia to our global community!
We selected 30 fellows for their leadership potential and their commitment to advancing health equity in their communities
Throughout the fellowship, we’ll support them as they learn from each other, build critical leadership skills, join our lifelong global community, and continue driving change within their organizations.
Read on to learn more and meet a few of them!
Fellows work within global and public health organizations including:
Through the 9-month, hybrid program, GHC will provide fellows with access to:
Executive coaching and GHC staff coaching & support
A global network of peers, leaders, and advisors across 40+ countries
Monthly virtual Leadership Academy Workshops, 2 in-person convenings, and small peer group learning & reflection
A library of resources and asynchronous learning materials for continued learning & development
Arafat Kabugo
Programs Manager, Naguru Youth Health Network — Kampala, Uganda
Arafat Kabugo’s journey in public health is rooted in his deep commitment to empowering youth and addressing critical health issues. As Programs Manager at Naguru Youth Network, he transformed the organization’s reach by securing substantial funding and fostering partnerships that improve youth health services. Arafat’s leadership on the MAYE-Plus project increased youth involvement in Global Financing Facility processes across 12 countries, amplifying their voices in resource allocation. Now, as a GHC fellow, Arafat is eager to strengthen his problem-solving and systems-thinking skills to develop innovative programs that reshape health systems and tackle complex challenges.
Like many leaders in the GHC community, Jedidah Millapo Karia’s path to impact in public health is rooted in her desire to address the gaps she witnessed firsthand. While working as a Training Officer for Capacity Building, she saw how the lack of digital tools hindered healthcare workers’ ability to provide quality care. This inspired her to spearhead the rollout of the Smart Care Pro digital health platform, which has revolutionized healthcare delivery in rural and underserved communities across Southern Africa. Now, as a GHC fellow, Jedidah is excited to deepen her leadership skills and develop innovative training solutions that empower health workers and transform health systems.
Jedidah Millapo Karia
Learning & Development Specialist, Institute for Health Measurement –Southern Africa — Lusaka, Zambia
Joshua Ndahiroa
Legal Fellow, Geruka Healing Center – Kigali, Rwanda
Joshua Ndahiro’s work at Geruka Healing Center has been defined by his passion for advocating for underserved communities. Through his work as a Legal Fellow, he has provided critical support in Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and gender-based violence cases through medical camps and community outreach. His research on human rights and dedication to addressing gender-based violence have shaped his role as a changemaker. Now, as a GHC fellow, Joshua is eager to further develop his leadership and advocacy skills to drive impactful change in SRHR and gender equality.
Dr. Chimwemwe Maluwa-Yairo’s passion for addressing critical health challenges in her community has been a driving force behind her leadership. As District Medical Officer at Machinga District Hospital, Chimwemwe has guided her team through some of Malawi’s most significant health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a cholera outbreak, and Cyclone Freddy. Her innovative approach led to a 45% increase in neonatal survival rates through a hypoglycemia prevention project. Always fostering collaboration, Chimwemwe also launched the first-ever clinical team-building event at a government facility in Malawi. Through the GHC fellowship, she looks forward to refining her leadership and strategic decision-making skills to improve health outcomes in Malawi.
Dr. Chimwemwe Maluwa-Yairo
District Medical Officer, Machinga District Hospital, Ministry of Health – Malawi, Machinga, Malawi