Moses Obimbo Madadi
Co-PI, VMRC4Africa Application
Kenyan clinician-scientist and educator, Prof. Madadi is a leader at the University of Nairobi. He specializes in obstetrics and gynecology and conducts research on the vaginal microbiome and metabolites during pregnancy. As a Principal Investigator at the Basic, Clinical, and Translational Research Laboratory, he aims to enroll pregnant women in Nairobi for generating metagenomes and clinical isolates. His leadership in the African pregnancy network will enhance understanding of maternal health in Africa, contributing to significant advancements in reproductive health research.

Yaw Bediako
Founder, Yemaachi Biotech
Dr. Bediako is a Ghanaian immunologist and entrepreneur focused on leveraging Africa’s genetic diversity for cancer diagnostics. He founded Yemaachi Biotech in 2020 and is recognized among Ghana’s most influential young leaders. His work includes enrolling women for metagenomic studies through a clinical trials network. As a 2021 Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellow, he aims to transform cancer care in Africa through innovative research. He holds a PhD from Northwestern University and has extensive postdoctoral experience at leading institutions.

Souleymane Mboup
Microbiologist and Medical Researcher
Prof. Mboup is a Senegalese microbiologist renowned for his role in identifying HIV-2. He founded IRESSEF in 2017, advancing research on infectious diseases and providing training in Senegal. His institution focuses on HIV, Ebola, tuberculosis, and malaria research. As a key figure in West African research, he will lead the enrollment of women for metagenomic studies, contributing to innovative research that utilizes Africa’s diverse genetic and microbial resources to enhance healthcare outcomes.

Soumaya Kouidhi
Associate Professor, Higher Institute of Biotechnology
Dr. Kouidhi conducts groundbreaking research at the University of Manouba, Tunisia, focusing on the microbiome, drug resistance, and cancer. Her work emphasizes precision medicine, utilizing high-throughput sequencing and metabolomics to study the gut microbiome’s role in organ transplantation and oncology. She has significantly advanced early disease detection and therapeutic targets, with key publications driving improvements in healthcare. Her research aims to transform understanding and treatment approaches within complex biological systems.

Annette Nakimuli
Dean, Makerere University School of Medicine
Dr. Nakimuli is a Ugandan obstetrician and gynecologist specializing in complications of pregnancy, particularly pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. As Dean of Makerere University School of Medicine, she leads research capacity-building initiatives for maternal and newborn health in Africa. Her leadership extends to being Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and President of the East, Central and Southern Africa College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Nakimuli is dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes through research and education.

Jacques Ravel
Professor, University of Maryland Baltimore
Dr. Ravel is a distinguished microbiologist and Director of the Center for Advanced Microbiome Research at the University of Maryland. His research focuses on the vaginal microbiome and its role in gynecological health. Utilizing genomics and systems biology, he develops innovative strategies for managing obstetric conditions. With over 300 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Ravel’s work has significantly advanced understanding of microbiomes, earning him a Fellowship from the American Academy of Microbiology.

Sarah Lebeer
Research Professor, University of Antwerp
Prof. Lebeer leads research on vaginal lactobacilli and women’s health at the University of Antwerp. She initiated the Isala citizen-science project, promoting community engagement in vaginal health research. This innovative project aims to break taboos and improve health outcomes for women. Recognized for her contributions, she received the 2021 communication award from the Young Academy and Royal Academy of Science KVAB. Prof. Lebeer’s work emphasizes the importance of community engagement in health research.

Elizath Bukusi
Senior Research Scientist at KEMRI
Elizath Bukusi is a prominent senior research scientist at KEMRI. With extensive experience in public health, she has significantly contributed to HIV research and prevention strategies in Kenya. Her work focuses on improving healthcare delivery systems and understanding the epidemiology of infectious diseases. Elizath has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and is actively involved in training and mentoring young researchers in the field. She is dedicated to advancing medical research and public health initiatives to enhance the well-being of communities in Africa.

Serah Gitome
Research Scientist at KEMRI
Serah Gitome is a dedicated research scientist at KEMRI, specializing in tropical diseases and health systems research. Her work involves assessing the impact of infectious diseases on public health and developing innovative solutions for disease control and prevention. Serah has collaborated with various national and international organizations to enhance research capacity in Kenya. Her commitment to improving health outcomes through evidence-based research makes her a valuable asset to the scientific community. She is also passionate about empowering women in science and fostering collaboration among researchers.

Nicola Mulder
Head of the H3Africa Bioinformatics Network
Nicola Mulder is the head of the H3Africa Bioinformatics Network, focusing on genomic research in Africa. She leads initiatives aimed at building bioinformatics capacity and fostering collaboration among African researchers. With a strong background in computational biology, Nicola has been instrumental in advancing health research by leveraging genomic data to address health disparities. Her work emphasizes the importance of integrating bioinformatics into public health strategies. Nicola is committed to training the next generation of scientists and enhancing research infrastructure across the continent.

Dr. Abdou Padane
Senior Researcher at IRESSEF
Dr. Abdou Padane is a prominent researcher at IRESSEF, focusing on health systems and policy research. He has extensive experience in implementing health programs and evaluating their effectiveness. His contributions have enhanced the understanding of healthcare challenges in Africa, and he actively engages in training and mentoring emerging researchers in the field.

Dr. Aminata Mboup
Health Researcher at IRESSEF
Dr. Aminata Mboup is a health researcher dedicated to improving maternal and child health in Africa. Her research focuses on health interventions and policies aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates. With a strong background in public health, she collaborates with various organizations to promote health equity and improve health outcomes in vulnerable communities.

Girma Ruth
Health Policy Analyst
Girma Ruth is a health policy analyst with expertise in health economics and policy formulation. She has worked on various projects aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery and access, particularly in low-resource settings. Through her analytical skills, she contributes to evidence-based policy recommendations that address pressing health issues in her community.

Dr. Anna Happel
Lecturer at UCT
Dr. Anna Happel is a lecturer at the University of Cape Town, specializing in public health and epidemiology. Her research interests include infectious diseases and health interventions in marginalized populations. She is passionate about teaching and inspiring the next generation of public health professionals to address global health challenges.

Dr. Brian Kullin
Researcher at UCT
Dr. Brian Kullin is a researcher at the University of Cape Town, focusing on health systems research. His work aims to improve health service delivery and access in South Africa. He collaborates with various stakeholders to develop innovative solutions to complex health challenges facing the population.

Prof. Heather Jaspan
Professor of Pediatrics
Prof. Heather Jaspan is a professor of pediatrics with a focus on child health and infectious diseases. Her research explores vaccine development and implementation in resource-limited settings. She is committed to improving health outcomes for children and has led numerous studies to assess the impact of vaccination programs.

Dr. Shantelle Klaasen-Weitz
Senior Lecturer at UCT
Dr. Shantelle Klaasen-Weitz is a senior lecturer at the University of Cape Town. Her research focuses on social determinants of health and public health interventions. She is dedicated to educating students about health equity and the importance of addressing social factors in improving community health.

Dr. Musalula Sinkalz
Health Researcher at UCT
Dr. Musalula Sinkalz is a health researcher at the University of Cape Town, specializing in health promotion and disease prevention. His work emphasizes community engagement and participatory approaches to health research. He aims to empower communities to take charge of their health through education and advocacy.

Dr. Ephie Geza
Lecturer at UCT
Dr. Ephie Geza is a lecturer at the University of Cape Town, focusing on global health. She plays a crucial role in providing bioinformatics support to researchers, particularly in the field of infectious diseases.

Prof. Badara Cisse
Professor of Health Sciences at IRESSEF
Prof. Badara Cisse is a distinguished researcher and educator specializing in health sciences. He has contributed significant knowledge in the field, focusing on public health initiatives and community health education. His work aims to improve healthcare access and outcomes in underserved populations. With numerous publications and collaborations, he is a key figure in advancing health research in Senegal and beyond.