Africa-Press – Tanzania. TANZANIA: THE Uniting to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), a global advocacy organisation, has recently appointed a Tanzanian, Dr Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho, as its new Board Chairperson.
Speaking on the appointment, Dr Shumbusho said: “It’s an honour to be appointed as chair of Uniting to Combat NTDs.
It has been my long-held belief that we can change the course of over one billion people, who continue to be held back by these preventable and treatable diseases, many of them found in our African Continent.” Dr Shumbusho added: “The opportunity to continue serving these individuals and communities was simply not something I could turn down. I am looking forward to working with the team to help champion change, and to ensure that our vision of a world, where NTDs are no longer a threat to people’s lives becomes a reality.”
He said it was exciting time for him to join the organisation with a newly refreshed strategy focused on resource mobilisation and a busy year ahead to capitalising on opportunities for sustainable financing for NTDs.
She has more than two decades of experience in global health systems. She previously served as the World Health Organisation (WHO) Assistant Director General for HIV/ AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria and NTDs until her retirement in 2016.
During her tenure, she contributed a lot in the organisation’s work in the prevention, control, impactmitigation, country support, inter-country collaboration and global partnerships.
Born in Maruku village, Kagera Region, she has also played a key role in mobilising political commitment, resources and action needed to combat HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, NTDs; and building resilient health systems including in the founding, governance and efficacy of the Global Fund. Thoko Elphick-Pooley, Executive Director of Uniting to Combat NTDs said: “We are delighted to have Dr Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho joining us as our new Board Chair. She is a deeply respected trailblazer in global health, with a wealth of experience from her previous leadership roles.
“Her experience will be invaluable as she leads us in our mission to end NTDs by 2030. Having Dr Winnie’s vision and drive at the forefront will be fundamental as we look to explore new partnerships and unlock sustainable financing to reach all who are still affected by NTDs, and I am excited for what is to come working with Winnie.” In addition to her current role, Dr Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho serves as the Co-Chair of the Lancet Commission on Malaria Eradication; member of the Panel for a Global Public Health Convection; and Board member of the University of California in San Francisco Institute for Global Health Sciences, MEI.
She is succeeding Rebeca Grynspan, who was in the position until July 2023 and remains an Ambassador for Uniting to Combat NTDs.
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