​Our People

East Africa​

The CoEWCH EA prides​​ itself in a pool of experts with vast knowledge and experience in multi-disciplinaries​​​. These include research, epidemiology, biostatistics, monitoring and evaluation, data collection, analysis and reporting, public health, paediatrics, gyna​ecology, and commuication.  ​​​​The team​ is comprised of enthusiastic and dedicated professionals who are committed to ​​meeting the mission and vision of AKU and the entity.​​​

​Prof Marleen Temmerman

Director 
MD, MPH, PhD, Professor Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MBS, Honorary Senator

Prof Marleen Temmerman is the Director of the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, AKU East Africa. She is a health professional and researcher who started her international career in HIV/AIDS in Kenya, 1985. She managed to combine academic leadership including research (large track record of research projects and over 600 books and publications), clinical work (over 18,000 deliveries), teaching and mentorship (over 50 PhD students) across Europe, Africa, and China, with global leadership (Elected Senator Belgian Parliament - Chair Committee Foreign Affairs, Development and Defence; WHO Director; Founding Director International Centre Reproductive Health), and advocacy to the benefit of the scientific world and the community at large. Currently she also is a full Professor at Ghent University Belgium, with leave of absence. Prof Marleen is also a member of the iERG, UN Secretary General Office; Penholder UN Global Strategy for Women's, Children, Adolescents' Health 2016-2030; Commissioner Guttmacher-Lancet Commission Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights; Member advisory group African First Ladies against Cervical, Breast and Prostate Cancer; Member Maisha Maarifa HIV/SRH Research Hub, Kenyan NACC. Senior Fellow Institute for Global Health Diplomacy, Geneva; Senior WHO Advisor Women, Adolescent Child Health.


Prof William M Macharia 

Distinguished University Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Senior Researcher, CoEWCH EA, Focal Point, Institute of Global Health and Development (IGHD)

MBChB MMED, MSc (Clin Epidemiology), Dip (Haem-Oncology)

​Dr William Macharia is a Professor and Associate Dean for Research and former Founding Chair of Academic Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at Aga Khan University Nairobi. He trained in health research and treatment of cancers and blood diseases at McMaster University, Canada (1989-91). Before joining AKU in 2007, he was Associate Professor in Department of Paediatrics at University of Nairobi and Director of the Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences. Other past appointments and responsibilities included being a member of Board of Trustees of International Clinical Epidemiology Network (INCLEN), Secretary General of Africa chapter (AFRICLEN), member of the World Health Organization WHO/AFRO advisory committee on health research and development and Member of DFID/IDRC/Welcome Trust funded Consortium for National Health Research (CNHR) Expert Scientific Advisory Committee. He chaired the Kenya Technical Working Group on national health research policies and governance strategy for Ministry of Health (2019). He was a member of Advisory Council of Kampala based East Africa Paediatric Haemato-oncology Fellowship training program that trains for EA region (2016- 2019). Dr Macharia is also the Chair of Murang’a County Level 5 Referral Hospital Health Management Board. He has published scientific papers in internationally reputable peer review journals and supervised many theses and dissertations. His current research interest is in health systems and capacity building for Health Research. He continues to be actively involved in teaching of paediatric residents and in treatment of children with cancers and blood diseases.


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Prof Claudia Hanson

Physician Scientist, OB/GYN
PhD, MSc Epi, MSc Int Health, Dr.med

​​Claudia Hanson is a Professor in Implementation Science and Perinatal Epidemiology. She is trained in Gynaecology and Obstetrics in Germany; has a MSc and a PhD in epidemiology from LSHTM and a MSc in International Health from Charité, Germany. She works at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, where she leads a research group on implementation science Implementation and Quality (IMPAQT) | Karolinska Institutet (ki.se). Prof Claudia's main interest lies in implementation science and health systems research with pregnancy and labour care as one of the key focus. She has been leading large-scale evaluations including such as cluster-randomised trials. She leads and co-leads several projects in Africa (Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Benin, Burkina Faso), Asia (India, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand) and Argentina. She also works on improving routine health data collection for maternal and newborn health care.


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Prof Helen Nabwera

Associate Professor and Physician Scientist

BMedSci, BM BS, MRCPCH, DTM&H, PhD, FHEA, FRCPCH

Prof Helen is a recent MRC/FCDO African Research Leader (2020) awardee working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health and a Physician Scientist at the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health. She transitioned from her roles as a Senior Clinical Lecturer (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine) and an honorary Consultant in Paediatric Infectious Diseases (Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool, UK). She has over two decades of clinical research experience from sub-Saharan Africa and the UK. Dr Helen qualified from the University of Nottingham Medical School and did her postgraduate clinical training in the East and West Midlands Deaneries of the UK. She was awarded a Medical Research Council (MRC) Career Development Fellowship (2012-2015). During her fellowship, she managed a rural primary health care facility at MRC Unit, The Gambia’s rural field station in Keneba, and undertook research on growth faltering in early childhood in the rural communities. She has a PhD from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (2017) and a Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene from LSTM (Distinction-2005). Prof Helen’s research focuses on exploring strategies to improve growth outcomes of children in impoverished communities in sub-Saharan Africa. This involves co-designing and testing innovative strategies that integrate early child nutrition with maternal well-being, to reduce morbidity and mortality among preterm/low birth weight infants. She has over 30 publications in peer-reviewed journals and has co-authored four book chapters in the fields of infant feeding, paediatric infections and early childhood growth. Prof Helen has won a number of prestigious awards including being nominated as one of the 2022 International Women’s Day Unsung Heroine’s at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine​​.​​​


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Dr Abdu Mohiddin

Physician Scientist, Assistant Professor
MbChB, MSc (PH), FFPH

Dr Abdu Mohiddin is a public health physician-scientist with interests in public health and health systems, in particular in maternal, child and adolescent health. Most of his work is with the CoEWCH with additional duties in the Department of Population Health contributing to the development of a Population Health Master’s degree. He has over twenty years' experience with multi-sectoral strategies to address needs and improve health. He has worked with a wide range of stakeholders in the UK and Kenya including local and national health authorities, healthcare and related services, academia, the voluntary sector and communities.


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Dr Angela Koech

Research Physician Scientist, Assistant Professor OB/GYN
BSc (Anat), MBChB, MSc Epi, MMed Obs/Gyn

Dr Angela Koech is an Assistant Professor at the Department of OB/GYN and co-principal investigator of the PRECISE Project  at the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University. She is a medical doctor and holds an MMed (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) degree from the Aga Khan University and an MSc in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She has seven years’ experience in clinical medicine and over three years’ experience in clinical research in the area of maternal and newborn health. She has been involved in setting up and conducting several clinical studies alongside a perinatal surveillance program at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust research programme in Kenya. Her previous work has been in the areas of maternal Group B Streptococcus and its role in neonatal disease, fetal growth and aetiology of preterm birth/low birth weight, preeclampsia and its risk factors and the role of inflammatory markers in preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes. She has publications in peer reviewed journals and has presented in several local and international conferences. 

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E​valine Lang'at

Research and Project Lead

MPH, BsN

Evaline Lang’at holds a Master of Public Health from Flinders University, Australia and a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science. She is a recipient of public health international professional fellowships (Afya bora fellowship in global health leadership and International Program in Public Health Leadership (IPPHL)) from the University of Washington. She has over 5 years’ experience in research governance having worked as the County Research Coordinator at the Department of Health, Kilifi County. As the research focal person at the department of health, she chaired the county health research committee as well as led the county in identifying priority areas for research, establishing collaboration with health research stakeholders, as well as strengthened the use of evidence to improve health sector performance. She has equally served within the clinical area (maternal and child health unit) where she actively participated in service provision for pregnant women, new mothers and their infants with a focus on making pregnancy a positive experience. At the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health (CoEWCH) she serves as a researcher and project coordinator whose role among others entails design, coordination and execution of global health research projects within the centre. She is equally the leading PI for an IDRC grant being implemented by the Centre, University of Manitoba and the County governments of Kilifi and Mombasa here in Kenya. ​
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Lucy Nyaga

Project Manager​

BA Social Studies, Master of Community Health and Development

Lucy Nyaga is a project manager at CoEWCH. She is a Community health professional who started her career by establishing/strengthening automated Health Management Information System (HMIS) which with the lessons learned was later updated and up-scaled in all the counties HMIS. She has been influential in promoting Early Child Development in Kenya and East Africa through UNICEF-Care for Child Development (CCD) and Science of Early Child Development by Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Red River College. A holder of Bachelor of Arts (BA) (Social Studies) and (Master of Community Health and Development) Lucy has played a key role for over 5 years managing European Union (EU) sponsored Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) project (Phase I and II) working closely with the Ministry of Health in implementing the government health policy of Community Health Strategy. Currently working as a project manager under the leadership of the director Centre of Excellence in Women & Child Health, Aga Khan University East Africa for Mimba Yangu Project.

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​Hillary Kimutai Koros

​​​Research Project Coordinator

​BSc in Biology, MSc in Environmental Biology

Hillary Koros is a mixed methods health systems and policy researcher with over 8 experience in health systems and implementation science research. He holds a Masters in Environmental Biology (MMUST) and a Bachelors degree in Biology (MMUST). Hillary’s work has mainly been on quality of care for maternal and newborn health and Non-communicable diseases. He has previously worked on Projects with multidisciplinary and multisectoral stakeholders on implementation and evaluation of health systems interventions aimed at improving the quality of health services delivery. He has also vast experience in facilitating trainings in both qualitative and quantitative data analysis and GIS. His research interests are in Health Systems strengthening; Service Delivery with particular interest in reproductive health, maternal and child health, adolescent non-communicable diseases, public health and climate change.


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Grace Wairimu

Manager
MAPPM, BCom

Grace Gathoni Wairimu is an Administrative Officer at the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi. She is a marketer by profession. Grace has worked in different roles across various institutions both private and public, with vast experience in Project Management, Sales and Marketing as well as Administration. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from the University of Nairobi and a Masters in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi.


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Irene Kibara

Associate, AKU Mombasa Research Office
MBA, Strategic Management, CPA (K)

Irene Kibara is an Associate of the CoEWCH based at the AKU Mombasa Research Office serving as a focal person for research administration for the projects in Coast Kenya under the ​department of Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health. She joined AKU in May, 2017 as an Administrative Manager for the Mombasa Research Office until February 2022. She is currently involved in the day to day office and projects’ administrative roles for CoEWCH in liaison with the Project Managers in Coast. She is a Certified Public Accountant, CPA (K), Strathmore College alumni and a holder of MBA Strategic Management from Daystar University. With an experience spanning to more than 15 years, she has worked in senior roles in research and implementation projects handling both administrative and financial duties. Previously, she worked for International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH) for 12 years having risen from an Assistant Accountant to the Director of Finance, Administration and Human Resources.​


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Maura Malanga

​​​​​Communications Officer

BA Communications

​Maura serves as a ​​Communications Officer at the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health (CoEWCH) whereby she handles the internal and external communications needs of​​ the entity. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications (Public Relations Concentration) from Daystar University with cum laude honours​​​. Maura has extensive experience in strategic, corporate and science communications, public r​elations, digital marketing, and event m​anagement. She previously worked at KCB Bank Kenya Limited under the Corporate Affairs division and at Dimension Global Communications as a Public Relations and Digital Marketing Officer where she brought substantial success by building beneficial links through the implementation of effective communication strategies. Her passion lies in maximizing impact through effective strategic communication​. She has additional interest in community  development, international relations, and crisis communication and management.


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​​​​​​Nancy Gichobi

Administrative Officer
BSc Office Administration 

Nancy serves as an Office Administrator at the Centre with experience of over 6 years in Office Administration. She has a background in Public Health, Procurement and is currently pursuing a Degree in Management and Office Administration. She has played a major role for the Centre when it comes to Procurement, travel and logistics, reception and general office management. ​



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Norah M. Matheka

Program Assistant

​BA Business Administration and Management

Norah Matheka’s background spans from Business Administration and Management, to Business Communication, Community Development, Management of Information Systems, Health and Safety, Basic First Aid as well as Nutrition. She currently serves as the program assistant in the Department of Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health in Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya. There are 2 NIH grants that she directly has supported and still supports. One of the grants ended in March 2022. She possesses great leadership skills with over 20 years’ experience in the field of administration, business management and accounting. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management (Daystar University), cumulative GPA of 3.38/4.00.  She received a higher diploma in Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS) - (Strathmore College/University). Norah volunteered with an organization known as CAREFORCE in the United Kingdom, specifically in London, with All Souls Church where she assisted with the various programs. She worked with Sisilo Childcare Centre where she worked as a marketing officer, she then moved to African Inland Mission (AIM). At AIM she worked as payables officer, cashier and subsequently to Accounts Assistant. Thereafter she joined Light of Africa (LoA) as a bookkeeper/ administrator, a position that introduced her to the area of human resources. Her first experience in the area of clinical research was with University of Washington – TREE program in 2012 as a program administrator.  This position catapulted her to various facets of research administration from adhering to sponsors requirements regarding expenses, observation of study protocol by assisting study monitors when they visited the study as well as exposure to grant proposal submission. 


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Margrette Hanselmann

​​​​​Study Coordinator

Margrette Hanselmann is the study coordinator for the Adolescent perinatal mental health study (INSPIRE) in Kilifi. She has previously worked in different capacities in research studies and health development projects including Mama na Mtoto II, a community based project that sought to understand and improve maternal and child health needs in rural communities, which offered her an opportunity to be part of the authors for a publication on Prevalence, Incidence and Predictors of Volunteer Community Health Workers Attrition in Kwale. Margrette also served as a Project Officer, Nutrition Lead and Gender Focal person for AQCESS, an RMNCAH project. Most recently,  she served as the County Research Project Officer for studies that looked into COVID 19 pandemic, its mitigation measures and impacts on health service access and delivery, focusing on SRH and GBV. She has a background in Public Health and is currently pursuing a Masters in Monitoring and Evaluation.


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Isaac Mwaniki

​Study Coordinator

Isaac Mwaniki is the Study Coordinator for the PROTECT study at the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University. He has over seven years of experience in laboratory operations, research management, and data management. Isaac has previously served as the lab lead for the PRECISE Network, where he oversaw laboratory operations in Kilifi. In his current role, Isaac coordinates activities for the PROTECT study, focusing on data integrity and research protocol management. He also contributes to scientific publications and presentations.  With a solid background in medical laboratory science, Isaac is committed to achieving excellence in research, driving impactful outcomes in women and child health.  ​

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On​​​​​​esmus Wanje

Community Liaison Officer

Onesmus leads community engagement activities for the PRECISE network studies as a Community Liaison officer at the Aga Khan University's Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health. He is a current MPH student at Pwani University and holds a Bsc in Community Health from the Technical University of Mombasa. Onesmus has eight years of experience and strong expertise in Community work, youth programming, policy advocacy, implementation research and projects transition planning.  Previous organizations that he has worked with include University of Washington (Mombasa Research Site), Bomu Hospital, VSO International, Tesla Exploration International and World Vision Kenya. 


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Moses Mukhanya

​​​​​Research Officer and Data Manager

Moses Wabwile Mukhanya is a computer scientist by profession working in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aga Khan University. He joined Aga Khan University in September 2020 and he is currently supporting PRECISE, PRECISE-DYAD and all Sub studies under the two main studies in overseeing, coordination and supervising data management activities. He ensures that all data management systems, devices and all ICT systems work are running seamlessly. He has a degree in Computer Science from Kibabii University with 6 years of practical working experience in systems design, development, setup and end user manual developments and trainings. He has previously worked with Impact Research and Development Organization as a Health Management and Information Systems (HMIS) Officer where he oversaw successful implementation of electronic data collection systems for Outreach HIV testing and Treatment Centers. Moses has trainings in Monitoring and Evaluation [University of Washington and NASCOP], Fundamentals of Global Research and Policy Development and Advocacy for Global Health [University of Washington]. Moses also has trainings in Data Science for Professionals, Python and R certifications for Data Science.


Joycelyn Kathembe

Research Officer and Study Coordinator

Joycelyn Kathembe is a Research Officer/ Study Coordinator at the Aga Khan University's Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health. She holds an MSc in Nutrition for Global Health from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), as well as a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. With a proven track record of success in various capacities at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), she has extensive experience in nutrition and food safety research under the MoreMilk Project in peri-urban areas of Nairobi and Eldoret. She has also served as a program coordinator for the Agriculture, Nutrition and Health Academy which nests the Innovative Methods and Metrics for Agriculture and Nutrition Actions (IMMANA) programme. As a nutrition consultant, she made significant contributions to the development of national FAQs on Infant and Child Feeding in the context of HIV in collaboration with UNICEF, NASCOP and MoH. In addition, she contributes to the Annual Nutrition and Growth YearBook chapter on stunting in developing countries. Her expertise in maternal and child health is further demonstrated by her experience as a nutritionist in clinical and community settings, promoting infant and young child feeding practices and management of moderate and severe malnutrition. At the Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health (CoEWCH),  she serves as a researcher and study coordinator whose role entails design, coordination, implementation of research activities and community engagement for the SVN follow-up study, as well as other global health projects within the center.

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Emmah Ng'ang'a

​​​​​Research Specialist/PhD Student

Emmah Ng’ang’a is a Research Specialist and PhD student at the Centre of Excellence for Women and Child Health (CoEWCH), where she also serves as the AIMIX (Inclusive Artificial Intelligence for Medical Imaging Across Resource-Limited Settings) Study Coordinator. She holds a B.A. in Economics and Sociology, an M.A. in Economic Policy Management, and is a Certified Public Accountant CPA (K). With nearly 10 years of research experience, Emmah has worked as a qualitative research consultant for various NGOs and consultancy firms before joining AKU.​ As a social scientist, her passion lies in qualitative research and storytelling, focusing on understanding people’s lived experiences and ensuring that their voices are heard. Emmah is committed to conducting ethical and evidence-based research in all her work. Currently, as a co-Principal Investigator (co-PI) in the AIMIX study, she is investigating the socio-ethical principles, challenges, and requirements that govern inclusive AI in healthcare, particularly in prenatal care, alongside the clinical component of the study. She is also pursuing her PhD with the University of Barcelona.


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Peter Munyalo Pascal

​​​​​ICT Lead

Peter Munyalo Pascal is an experienced ICT professional with more than seven years of experience in project management, data management, and technical support. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology from Multimedia University of Kenya, he has constructed a career that is largely underpinned by the skills he has acquired in setting up and managing ICT systems’ infrastructure and data flow with bias toward the privacy and security standards. As ICT Lead in iMAMA Study at The Aga Khan University, Peter is actively involved in overseeing the ICT infrastructure, and data management for key healthcare interventions like the iMAMA Study funded by Philips & The Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. This includes routine data collection and management of medical ultrasound data in obstetrics, as well as data management for Artificial Intelligence projects directed on increasing the availability and quality of healthcare services delivery in rural regions of Kenya. Peter has additional certification in Data Protection, System administration, and technical support which continue to add to his vast skill flexibility. Peter is known as a person with an analytical mind, good organizing capabilities as well as readiness to use information technology for the purpose of enhancing business operations.​


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Catherine Mwangi

​​​​​Research Specialist - Community Engagement

Catherine Mwangi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Foods, Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. A Research Specialist-Community Engagement at the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health (CoEWCH), Aga Khan University-Mombasa Research Office. She is passionate in research projects and studies that are geared towards improving the health status of the community and especially the vulnerable groups. Catherine has immense work experience and rich expertise in implementation of the Kenyan government Community Health Strategy approach for sustainable health solutions.


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Omar Mwakusema

​​​​​Data Officer

Omar Mwakusema is a Data Officer working at the Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health at Aga Khan University. He holds a Diploma in Community Development and has over 15 years working experience in research at Community and Institutional level from different organizations in Kenya. Previously he worked at the International Center for Reproductive Health Kenya (ICRHK) and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). Currently he plays a major role in supporting Data collection and compliance with Research Ethical procedures in health Facilities and Community activities in the iMAMA Study.


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Vincent Ambale

​​​​​Data Associate

Vincent Ambale is a professional Data Analyst, taking the position of a Data Associate at the Aga Khan University's Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health under the iMAMA Study. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Statistics with IT from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. Having a strong background in data collection, data visualization, statistical analysis and data modeling he has a proven track record of leveraging data to drive strategic decision-making through the transformation of complex datasets into actionable insights. Vincent has led multiple projects across various industries including sales, Logistics & supply chain and now in health delivering impactful solutions that have streamlined operations and optimized processes.


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Patience Kombe​

​​​​​​Administrative Officer

​Patience Kombe is a seasoned Administrative Officer with over 10 years experience in managing diverse projects and streamlining operations. Holding a diploma in Business Administration, she brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to every role. Currently, she is pursuing a Bsc in Project Planning and Management at JKUAT. Patience's career is marked by a proven track record of excellence in administration combined with a forward thinking approach to project management. Previous organizations she worked with are, African Institute for Health and Development ( AIHD) and Anand Marga Universal Relief Team ( AMURT) where she served in the capacity of Project Admin.​​​

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Belinder Orero

​​​​​​Administrative Officer

​Belinder is an experienced professional with a strong background in research. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community Development and a Diploma in Community Health, she brings over 8 years of expertise to her role in research and as an Administrative Officer. She is dedicated to enhancing research capacity and translating findings into impactful solutions. Her notable work includes significant contributions to HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence (GBV), and family planning initiatives through her roles at ICRHK and JHPIEGO.​


Timothy Munyua

Research Officer, PRETERM Study

BSc Environmental Health, MSc Health Management

Timothy Munyua is a public health professional with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health and a master’s degree in Public Health (Health Management option). This health strengthening-oriented post-graduate training, coupled with his deep interest in research and health policy, catapulted his engagement in different roles in Mental Health and Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH). He took a lead role in implementing and directing activities for several surveys, community-based projects, and randomized controlled trials (clinical and non-clinical) with Africa institute of mental and brain health (AFRIMEB) and later lone the Kenya Medical Research Institute’s (KEMRI) Centre for Clinical Research (CCR). He also oversaw collaborative work with organizations such as Washington University in St. Louis, the Shamiri Institute, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO-EMRO). ​

He joined the Aga Khan University, Nairobi as a Research Officer supporting the implementation of PRETERM Africa Study under the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health. This position adds to his extensive experience in supporting and managing the implementation of research projects. This role will further his domain of expertise and achievement in the field of RMNCAH. 


Jemima Nyandwaro
Research Officer, PRETERM Study
Jemima Nyandwaro is a medical doctor with a passion for working with children and a growing interest in clinical research and infection prevention & control (IPC). Holding an MSc in Tropical Medicine, she is eager to expand her clinical research experience and contribute to improving health outcomes. Jemima is joining the PRETERM Africa study as a Research Officer, where she looks forward to developing her research skills and engaging in projects that will improve the health outcomes of neonates in sub-Saharan Africa.


Thoya Hussein Ali
Research Assistant, PRETERM Study
KRCHN​
Thoya Ali serves as a Research Assistant at Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, East Africa (CoEWCH EA). He holds a Diploma in Nursing from Kenya Medical Training College. Thoya has previously worked as a Research Assistant Nurse for PRECISE Network. He is passionate towards improving the health status of the community, especially the vulnerable groups.


Moureen Itenyo Oundo
Research Assistant, PRETERM Study
KRCHN
Moureen Itenyo Oundo serves as a Research Assistant at Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, East Africa (CoEWCH EA). She has previously served as a Resident Nurse and Clinical Research Assistant.




George Obanda
Data Associate, AKU CoEWCH

My name is George Obanda, a Data Associate at the Aga Khan University’s Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health (CoEWCH). In my role, I work closely with teams to manage, analyze, and interpret data that supports research and initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes for women and children, especially in underserved communities. I focus on ensuring data accuracy and developing insights that contribute to impactful health interventions. My passion lies in using data to drive positive change and contribute to evidence-based solutions in healthcare.

I am constantly learning and growing in the fields of data science and public health, and I enjoy staying updated on the latest trends and best practices to enhance my work. Working at CoEWCH has been an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on global health.


RACHAEL CHARO

Researcher Assistant (clinical psychologist ARL)

Mrs. Rachael Patience Charo is a registered and licensed counseling psychologist with over 11 years of experience providing compassionate and client-centered mental health support. She holds a Diploma in Counseling and Psychology from Amani Training Institute and is currently advancing her qualifications through the Bachelor of Arts in Counseling Psychology (BACP) program.Mrs. Charo specializes in trauma counseling, individual, couple, and family therapy, as well as anxiety management, psychological assessment and diagnosis, community counseling, and career guidance. She works with clients across all age groups and backgrounds, offering support in both private and public settings. 

Her therapeutic practice integrates a range of evidence-based approaches, including psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), and integrative methods, allowing her to tailor interventions to each client’s unique needs. She is passionate about promoting emotional healing, personal growth, and resilience within individuals and communities. Mrs. Charo is recognized by the Ministry of Health’s Counselors and Psychologists Board and is an active member of the Kenya Counseling and Psychological Association (KCPA), reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and ethical practice. She is currently working under the ARL project as a research assistant (clinical psychologist, offering psychological support to mothers who give birth to low birth weight babies.)