What inspired you to work in health in Africa?
I have always believed that health is more than the absence of disease; it is the presence of dignity, hope, and the ability for people to live meaningful lives. Being born and nurtured in Africa, I have witnessed both the extraordinary resilience of its people and the pressing challenges in access to healthcare, medicines, and regulatory systems. My deep empathy and natural connection to those who are most vulnerable inspired me to dedicate my work to strengthening systems that protect communities and ensure safe, effective medicines reach those who need them most.
My emotional intelligence has guided me throughout this journey. I am attuned to both suffering and resilience, and I see listening with compassion as essential to building trust. Working in health here allows me to combine technical expertise with human connection, empowering communities while safeguarding dignity. Ultimately, what sustains me is the belief that every life deserves care, and the commitment to turn vulnerability into strength and hardship into hope.
What is one success you’re proud of?
One success I am deeply proud of was during my time as Deputy Director of Public Health Programs at the Central Medical Store in Cameroon, known as CENAME. When I was appointed, delivery lead times for public health products were often greater than 30 days, creating dangerous delays for patients and health facilities. On my very first distribution, I applied principles of health supply chain management to strengthen planning, coordination, and oversight. At the same time, I implemented supply chain optimization by redesigning routes and tightening inventory management.
The result was dramatic: delivery lead time was reduced from more than 30 days to just 5 days. This achievement was not only a technical success but also a turning point in restoring confidence in the health system. Facilities received public health products on time, and communities including mothers, fathers, and children had uninterrupted access to care. For me, it was deeply emotional to witness how systemic management combined with targeted optimization could translate directly into lives protected and dignity preserved.
What’s the hardest part of your work as a woman in health leadership? How are you tackling it?
The hardest part of my work as a woman in health leadership has been navigating systemic barriers and perceptions that often undervalue women’s contributions. In many professional spaces, women leaders are expected to prove themselves repeatedly, and our voices can be overlooked in critical decision making. This reality means that I must constantly balance technical excellence with the need to assert credibility and ensure inclusivity.
I tackle this challenge by preparing thoroughly and ensuring that my contributions are evidence based, solution oriented, and clearly communicated. I also prioritize collaboration, building trust with colleagues and communities by listening deeply and creating space for diverse perspectives. Rather than allowing bias to discourage me, I use it as motivation to demonstrate that women can lead effectively and drive measurable impact. By combining resilience, empathy, and technical expertise, I continue to break barriers and help create a health leadership environment where women’s voices are respected and valued.
What change do you want to see in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, the change I want to see is a stronger and more resilient health supply chain across Africa that ensures public health products reach communities without delay or disruption. Too often, weaknesses in procurement, storage, and distribution create gaps that directly affect patients, families, and frontline health workers. These gaps are not just technical; they represent lives put at risk and trust eroded in our health systems.
I envision a future where African countries invest in integrated health supply chain management supported by digital tools, regional collaboration, and empowered leadership from women and youth. This change would mean that health products are consistently available, even in remote areas. I am championing this vision by promoting efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity in every role I hold, and by showing through my work that optimization is achievable. In five years, I want to see health systems where timely, equitable, and sustainable access is not an aspiration but a reality for all communities.
What advice do you have for women chasing their dreams working in health?
My advice to women chasing their dreams in health is to believe deeply in the value of your voice and your vision. The health sector can be demanding, and at times women leaders are underestimated or asked to prove themselves more than once. Yet every challenge is also an opportunity to demonstrate resilience and impact. Do not let barriers discourage you; instead, let them sharpen your determination.
Invest in your technical expertise, because knowledge and preparation are powerful tools that command respect. At the same time, nurture empathy and collaboration, because health is ultimately about people, not just systems. Seek allies who share your values, and do not hesitate to create space for yourself at the table when it is not offered. Most importantly, remember that your journey is not only about personal success but also about opening doors for others. By pursuing your dreams with courage and clarity, you help build a future where women’s leadership in health is recognized and celebrated.