Professor Nighat Huda is acknowledged as the pioneer of medical education in Pakistan. Has
immense contribution to community-oriented education for health professionals. Has special
interest in women’s issues and women health. Has Experience of home schools for young
women, skills development and health education programs for underprivileged women. Since
1991has been an integral part of WHTF activities. Passionate and committed to progress of
women professionally, and promotes women’s health and well -being across diverse settings.
Has publications in peer-reviewed journals. As an advocate for interprofessional collaborative
practice, she has contributed chapter as a co-author, and editorials.
She has contributed through engagement in various activities at local, national and
international levels on women’s issues alongside ensuring that medical students experience
health needs of women’s population in primary care setting in particular. Currently, at
national level, her affiliation with the National Committee for Maternal & Neonatal Health has
supported education and training modules for adolescents on family planning, domestic
violence, child marriages etc. During her early experience in university community
partnership model, she has worked with underprivileged women and selected young women
for training as Lady Health workers, and implemented women literacy programs
Past Contributions to WHTF: I am one of the original 4 founders of WHTF as an interest
group in The Network: TUFH. I have been involved and contributing as the Chair, a founding
board member of the formal organization, and participated in WHTF activities including
strategic meetings, Board meetings; Co-chair of Program Committee; implemented WHTF
workshops and presented research at TUFH international conferences. Participated in the
WHTF research study proposal for the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) Research
Grant and identified co-investigators and communities in Karachi Pakistan; contributed as
principal investigator on COVID-1 study in Karachi Pakistan. From TUFH platform, I
implemented workshops on gender issues. Currently, I am contributor to TUFH Community
of Practice for geriatrics population.
Future Contributions to WHTF: Contributing to WHTF sustainability will be my primary
focus. I would like to help explore funding opportunities from impactful global institutions
committed to advancing women’s health in low resource settings, promote partnership with
institutions for research, advocacy and direct community engagement; collectively
strategize actions towards increasing membership, active engagement of students,
attracting emerging global leaders critical for future leaders transition.
I am an Egyptian university professor, a Fulbright alumna, and a researcher. Although I
graduated as a physician, I shifted my career focus to teaching and research when I joined
the Faculty of Medicine at Suez Canal University as a junior faculty member. I served as a
coordinator for the medical students’ training program in Primary Health Care. This
experience helped me develop expertise in Community-Based Education, which I further
refined through a Master’s degree in Health Professions Education from the University of
Illinois at Chicago and a PhD in Public Health with a focus on Medical Education. I also worked
with the WHO/EMRO office as a consultant developing Community-Based Educational
curricula for regional medical schools. I have approximately 40 years of experience teaching
Public Health in both online and face-to-face settings across the USA, UK, and Egypt.
I worked as a project coordinator for community participation in health promotion in a poor
rural area of Egypt. This experience, along with my travels to many countries around the
world, opened my eyes to how poverty and disparity affect health, especially for women.
During my Fulbright fellowship, I completed academically relevant studies in Women’s Health
and International Health. I conducted various operational research projects focused on
women`s health issues at both national and international levels, emphasizing Gender-Based
Violence, Female Genital Mutilation, maternal and child health, and Reproductive Health. I
also consulted on Female Genital Mutilation with the WHO and the Population Council.
Past Contributions to WHTF: I am one of the four founders of Women & Health, Together
for the Future (WHTF), which began as a task force within the Network (TUFH) in 1991. Since
2004, I have attended every annual meeting, where I shared my research and developed
educational materials for the women’s health learning package (WHLP). I have contributed
to various research projects and presented at webinars. I am currently a board member and
chair of the mini-grant program. As a past recipient of this mini-grant, I was able to help
other mid-career health professionals and community members develop skills to implement
interventions that promote women’s health in their communities.
Future Contributions to WHTF: I plan to keep supporting younger researchers and
advocates in promoting women’s health in their communities. I will work with other members
of the WHTF research group to seek funding for a women’s health scholarship program. This
scholarship would give fellows the opportunity to gain education and skills through a
structured curriculum.
Godwin N. Aja is a professor with over 30 years of experience in public health teaching,
research, and community service. He is a graduate of Loma Linda University School of
Public Health, California. His research interests include women’s health, health asset
mapping, religion and health, interprofessional education, community partnerships and
engagement in health research and social care, translation of public health research
evidence into policy and practice, etc. His track record demonstrates a deep commitment
to gender equity, community empowerment, and women´s health education—principles
that align strongly with WHTF’s mission.
He has led and contributed to multi-country collaborations, capacity building initiatives,
and policy advocacy projects focusing on maternal health, family planning, sexual and reproductive health, and psychosocial support for women and girls, especially in under-
resourced and faith-based communities. As an academic leader, he has also mentored
public health professionals, particularly women, and developed culturally relevant health
education materials that address gender-specific health challenges
Previous Contributions to WHTF: First associated with Women’s Health Task Force in
2004. I received seven mini-grants and led several initiatives. I am a founding member of
WHTF, Board Member and Treasurer since 2019, and Co-Chair of the WHTF Financial and
Sustainability Committee. I contributed to several WHTF research initiatives.
Future Contributions to WHTF: I will continue to advocate for the regionalization of
WHTF to promote wider participation and ensure sustainability. Through regional
networks, WHTF membership and visibility is likely to extend beyond the Anglophone
regions to include Francophone and Lusophone countries. I plan to seek ways for WHTF to
partner with more local, national, and regional organizations to boost women’s health on
the African continent and beyond.
Michelle Andipatin has a PHD in Psychology and is currently the Deputy Dean Research in the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences at the University of the Western Cape. She has a broad array of research interests that include but are not limited to: Women’s reproductive health, men and masculinities, alternate healing modalities, mental health and well-being, philosophical issues in science and research methodologies. Understanding and measuring social impact has become an important interest of hers. In addition to her role as Deputy Dean, she has also championed the Centre for Diversity in Psychological Practice since 2015-2023. As part of her Community Engagement, Professor Andipatin is involved in many projects related to women’s health, GBV and Quality of Life and Women’s Health. She is excited to assume the Executive Director position for Women and Health Together for the Future to support our activities to improve the health and health care of women.
I am a public health sociologist focused on women and children’s health. I developed one of the
first school based health programs in USA in 1975, created the Community Based Education
Program for medical students, developed community practica for public health students and created
one of the first service learning programs. My research interests are health professions education,
reproductive health, breast cancer, safe birth and delivery, and traditional community health
practices. In addition to WHTF, I am Secretary of the Afghan Female Student Outreach, President
of the Grand’Anse Health & Development Association Board and served in leadership positions of
global health organizations including the World Federation of Public Health Associations, American
Public Health Association and CORE Group. I have worked to improve community health in rural
Haiti for 35 years. I am senior author of “The Health of Women/Mothers and Children,” in
Understanding Global Medicine and Health, as well as articles about maternal and child health and
other public health issues in Haiti, Ecuador and Sri Lanka and conducted research, program
evaluation and training in over 50 countries. I received the 2018 Carl E. Taylor Lifetime Achievement
Award from the International Health Section, American Public Health Association, honoring the
visionaries and leaders in international health.
Contributions to WHTF: I am one of the 4 original founders of WHTF as an interest group of the
Network Toward Unity for Health (TUFH) in 1991 and a founder of WHTF as formally incorporated in
South Africa in 2019. I have served as WHTF Board Chair since 2019, led the Research Committee,
developed several grant proposals, and led the Women’s Health Community of Practice in
collaboration with TUFH. I have participated in most of the committees, moderated/ presented and
participated in WHTF webinars, and represented the organization at global conferences. WHTF
accomplishments during my period of leadership include developing a secretariat, website, increased
organizational visibility, a new mini-grant program, restructuring due to fiscal limitations and broader
board representation and development.
Future Contributions to WHTF: This is a critical time for establishing the sustainability of WHTF and I would like to find ways to gain ongoing financial support for our programs, including re-
establishing the Mini grants, funded collaborative research and expanded membership. I would like to continue to contribute to research development and provide continuity to WHTF in ongoing
organizational transitions.
Dr. Surekha Tayade, a 52-year-old female obstetrician and gynecologist, is currently serving
as Professor and Unit Head at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha,
Maharashtra. She holds multiple degrees including MBBS, MD (OBGY), DNB, MNAMS,
FICOG, FAIMER Fellow, FIME, ACME, PGDHHM, MPH, MEd (HPE), and PhD. Dr. Tayade began
her academic career in 2002 at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences,
Sewagram, where she served as a full Professor and Unit Head until 2019. Over her career,
she has passionately mentored postgraduate students in both academic and surgical skills.
She is also an accomplished author of multiple books, including The Update in Management
of Postpartum Hemorrhage, and has received several honors including the Legend of
Gynecology Award.
Past Contributions to WHTF: Dr. Tayade has been an active member of the Women’s
Health Task Force (WHTF) since 2013 and is a founding member of Women’s Health
Together for Future. She has received two WHTF Mini Grants to implement gender-based
violence reduction programs in rural India and was honored with the Savitri Bai Phule
Achievement Award in 2018. She has mentored two GHETS Mini Grant awardees as a
senior mentor and has served on the WHTF Board of Directors since 2019. She was elected
Vice President and serves as Program Committee Co-Chair.
Future Contributions to WHTF: My commitment is as follows :
Program opportunities: I will work to identify and develop new program opportunities
that address pressing women’s health needs, ensuring they are feasible, impactful, and
aligned with WHTF’s mission.
Collaboration building: I plan to strengthen partnerships with organizations /institutions
to co-create projects and share resources for greater reach and effectiveness.
Resource identification: I will try to identify fundraising opportunities as well as
opportunities for diverse speakers for our programs
I am a public health physician and academic with over 20 years of experience in health systems,
global health, and public health education. I currently serve as Associate Professor and Director
of the MPH Programme at the University of Birmingham Dubai. My professional journey spans
academia, health policy, and international collaboration with organizations including WHO,
UNDP, and ministries of health across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. I am one of the
founding members of the WHTF. I also serve as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Irish
Global Health Network and sit on the boards of other international health organizations.
As a founding member and active Board member of WHTF, I have consistently contributed to
the organisation’s governance and strategic development. I led the recent constitutional review
process, including the design of board election and have supported organizational planning and
positioning efforts. My strengths lie in governance and strategic planning. I am committed to
advancing WHTF’s mission and values through creative and pragmatic solutions that ensure the
long-term viability of WHTF’s work and partnerships.
Past Contributions to WHTF:
Jean Berchmans Uwimana, MD, MPH, MBA, is a Rwandan physician and global health
advocate currently serving as a Senior Data Analyst and Modeler at Johns Hopkins University.
He brings over a decade of experience advancing sexual and reproductive health, health
equity, and youth-led innovation across Africa and in the U.S. He is the co-founder of Healthy
People Rwanda, Rwanda Medical Doctors for Choice, Flavors of Family Planning. He has
served as WHTF board member since 2022 and is a former mini grantee. Jean blends clinical
training with public health and business acumen to drive community-centered solutions in
women’s health and social justice.
Past Contributions to WHTF:
Dr. Shayna Cunningham is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences
(DPHS)
at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine with over 20 years of experience in
global and domestic public health. Dr. Cunningham’s research advances health equity for
structurally marginalized populations, particularly in maternal and child health. She is an expert
in mixed-methods research and community-based participatory research. Her current work is
focused on developing and evaluating interventions to improve perinatal outcomes and reduce
the burden of non-communicable diseases among women.
Dr. Cunningham received her PhD and MHS from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Prior
to joining DPHS, she was a faculty member in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
at the Yale School of Public Health. Other work experiences include serving as a Program Officer
for the Global Development and Population Program at the William & Flora Hewlett Foundation,
Senior Research Associate and Director of Data Products and Services at Sociometrics, and
Public Health Officer for the International Rescue Committee. She has a strong record of grant
funding, published extensively, and received awards for her community-engaged scholarship
and teaching.
Dr. Cunningham brings deep and diverse experience in research, program implementation and
evaluation, and capacity building in women’s health. Her work consistently centers the voices
of marginalized communities and promotes equity through practice-based and participatory
approaches. Her expertise in health systems strengthening, maternal and reproductive health,
and public health education would be an asset to the Women and Health Together for the Future
(WHTF) Board. As a WHTF member and active participant on the Research Committee, Dr.
Cunningham has demonstrated commitment to the organization’s mission. She is eager to
contribute her skills in strategic planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-informed
decision-making to advance WHTF’s mission of promoting women’s health and leadership across
contexts.
Past Contributions to WHTF: I have been a WHTF member since 2020. I have served on the
Research Committee for the past 2 years, helping develop several grant initiatives, and
presented in WHTF sessions at UBUNTU in 2024.
Future Contributions to WHTF: I plan to continue serving on the Research Committee,
contributing to the development and advancement of high-quality, collaborative research
initiatives that align with WHTF’s mission and strategic priorities. In addition, I will support the
organization’s financial sustainability by contributing to fundraising strategies, cultivating
partnerships, and identifying grant opportunities that strengthen our resource base. I am also
eager to contribute to strategic planning efforts to help shape WHTF’s long-term vision,
priorities, and impact.
I’m a medical doctor, public health specialist, and implementation research scientist with a PhD in
Global Health from Trinity College Dublin. I’m the founder and director of the Global Health System
Leadership programs at the University of Birmingham Dubai. With 20 years of experience in
leadership, advisory, and academic roles, my work has contributed to global and national health
workforce reforms, including the ILO-OECD-WHO’s Working for Health Program (2017-2021) and
Action Plan (2022–2030) and key roles in Sudan’s Federal Ministry of Health. I led national workforce
strategies, developed performance measures for midwives, and facilitated Sudan’s first bilateral
health agreement with Ireland. I served in advisory roles with WHO, TDR, and the Global Health
Workforce Network. My research focuses on decolonising global health education, health systems
strengthening, reproductive health, and workforce migration and performance with a commitment
to advancing global health security and universal health coverage.
As a female from Sudan, first and foremost, I am aware of the misfortunate situation that less
privileged communities, refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) face. I understand the
context, the socio cultural realities and geo-political dynamics that interplay with the day-to-day
decisions that influence health and shape health systems. As a medical doctor and global health
researcher, I am driven by a deep personal and professional commitment to advancing women’s
health and leadership. My journey with WHTF began during my MPH studies, and the values of the
organization have remained closely aligned with my own ever since.
With over 20 years of experience in health systems reform, policy advising, and academic
leadership—including work with WHO, TDR, and national ministries—I bring strategic insight and
a collaborative spirit. I’ve contributed to WHTF through initiatives like the PEER study, the TUFH
Health Workforce Academy.
Past contributions to WHTF: As a member for one year, I led a webinar on Closing the Women’s
Health Gap through health systems reform and co-chaired the Women’s Health Community of
Practice.
Future contributions to WHTF: As a board member, I aim to join WHTF grow its global influence
by strengthening partnerships, amplifying women’s voices in health leadership, and advancing
inclusive, evidence-based approaches to health equity.
Kamayani Bali is a Human Rights lawyer, Clinical psychologist, journalist, women´s rights
activist, voice of the violated and social media expert. Presently she is an independent Trainer
on Gender, Health and Human Rights . As a Passionate Mental Health Advocate, she is working
as Outreach Director with emotional support helpline and the Suicide prevention Helpline,
Ankahee, as well as conducting sessions on mental health with women prisoners.
She served as Senior Research Officer with the Centre for Enquiry into Health and Allied
Themes (CEHAT) on issues of health, human rights and women rights, especially on the issue
of sex selective abortions and the right to abortion. As Chevening Scholar at the Institute of
Commonwealth Studies at the London University she worked with Interights on a research
project on honor killings in Asia and with Amnesty International on a campaign on domestic
violence with special reference to the grass root NGOs in the developing world. She was the
Asia Regional Focal Point Officer of the International Federation of Health and Human Rights
Organization, South Asia Advocacy Coordinator for the Women´s Health Rights Partnership
Project of the Asia Regional Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW),
based in Malaysia. She has several published papers. She works with many other health and
human rights movements and trains judges, students and civil society activists.
Contributions to WHTF: I joined the Women Health and Task Force in 2005 and was a
founding member of the Women and Health Together for the Future in 2019. I led the Social
Media Committee, building the presence of WHTF across various platforms, including the
website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. This has helped strengthen our digital
outreach and led to the recruitment of a social media intern to further expand our online
engagement. I serve on the Governance Committee, participated in the WHTF 6-country
COVID-19 study, and have presented papers for WHTF in TUFH conferences, reflecting the
impact and relevance of our initiatives. I have contributed to educational modules focused on
critical topics such as sex selection, abortion, and mental health. I have also led advocacy
campaigns around women’s health, including impactful campaigns on key dates: International
Women’s Day, World Health Day, and World Mental Health Day. I represent WHTF in the TUFH
Communities of Practice on Autism and Mental Health.
Future Contributions to WHTF: I want to continue shaping WHTF’s social media strategy,
support fundraising efforts, and contribute to securing new research projects. I aim to co-
develop innovative, participatory strategies to enhance member involvement across regions.
This includes increased student engagement, collaborative events, improving online presence
and outreach.
Dr Mohamed Moukhyer is an Associate Professor of Public Health, Health Promotion, and
Health Professions Education. A medical doctor by training, he holds an MPH and a
specialist Master’s in Health Professions Education from Maastricht University, as well as
a PhD in Public Health. Over the past 25 years he has built a versatile career as an
academic, consultant, and adviser on adolescent and reproductive health, health
promotion, and health-system strengthening.
Dr Moukhyer has advised the Sudanese Federal Ministry of Health, WHO, UNFPA,
UNAIDS, and the Netherlands Red Cross on youth reproductive health and wider health-
promotion strategies. His scholarly work, spanning adolescent health, quality of care,
and community-based health promotion, has been widely published, and he serves on
the editorial board of African Primary Health Care and Family Medicine. In addition, he
served as an EC member of TUFH representing EMRO region. Across posts in
universities, government ministries, and international organisations on several
continents, Dr Moukhyer has consistently championed evidence-based approaches that
place women’s and young people’s health at the centre of policy and practice.
Contributions to WHTF:
I first joined Women and Health Together for the Future (WHTF) at the birth of its initial
phase, when it was called Women and Health Task Force during the 2003 TUFH
Conference in Eldoret, Kenya, and I have stayed involved ever since attending annual
TUFH meetings, taking part in WHTF sessions around the globe, implementing mini
grants and serving on both the programme and governance committees. In those roles I
have helped plan activities, moderate webinars, recruit speakers, and revise the
amendment of the constitution. Currently participating in Women’s Health Community of
Practice for Women’s Health. A couple of years ago I witnessed the WHTF becoming an
independent organization, located in Western Cape University in South Africa.
Future Contributions to WHTF:
Looking ahead, I will deepen that commitment on three fronts: