Keynote Speakers 

Professor Marianne W. Mureithi
Professor Mureithi is an infectious disease immunologist, vaccinologist and research leader whose career reflects the journey from scientific evidence to meaningful health impact in Africa. She is an Associate Professor of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Nairobi and Director of the KAVI–Institute of Clinical Research. She is also an Affiliate Associate Professor of Global Health at the University of Washington.

Her work spans vaccine discovery and development, early-phase clinical trials, HIV immunology, mucosal immunity, emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. At KAVI-ICR, she leads multidisciplinary programmes that connect laboratory science, clinical research, communities, health systems and international partnerships to translate evidence into practical solutions.

Professor Mureithi previously served as Chair of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Nairobi, where she contributed to postgraduate training, curriculum development, research governance and mentorship. She has also supported the strengthening of clinical and laboratory research platforms, quality-management systems, biosafety programmes and scientific capacity. She contributes to regional and international initiatives in vaccinology, vaccine manufacturing and research capacity strengthening, including advisory work with the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Her leadership is driven by a commitment to ensuring that African scientists and institutions lead in defining research priorities, generating evidence and delivering innovations that strengthen health systems.

Dr Duncan Shikuku

Dr. Duncan Shikuku is a globally recognized Midwifery and Women’s Health Specialist, technical specialist, and researcher with over a decade of experience in clinical practice, academia, and high-level maternal, newborn and child health programming. Currently serving as Technical Specialist – Midwifery at UNFPA Headquarters in Nairobi, he contributes to the strategic implementation, research, and global advocacy of UNFPA’s flagship midwifery initiatives. Besides, his strategic portfolio advances global initiatives on emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC), maternal and perinatal deaths surveillance and response (MPDSR) and maternal health non-communicable diseases. 

He actively contributes technical expertise to the development and review of global standards, policies, and guidelines in midwifery and maternal-newborn health. Dr. Shikuku holds a PhD in Global Health from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM, United Kingdom)—where he remains as an Honorary Academic—alongside a Master’s in Midwifery and Women’s Health from Makerere University (Uganda) and a BSc in Nursing from Moi University (Kenya). He is also an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (United Kingdom). Prior to his headquarters appointment, he held key technical and leadership roles at LSTM (Senior Technical Officer), Save the Children International (Maternal and Newborn Health Officer), and the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research (Master Trainer and Cluster Coordinator), where he led large-scale capacity-building programs for midwives and other skilled health personnel; midwifery education curriculum reforms; maternity healthcare workers deployment and retention reforms; and digital health innovations to strengthen the competencies of health professionals globally. 

A prolific researcher and scholar, Dr. Shikuku’s work continues to directly shape national and international policies on midwifery education and maternal mortality reduction. He co-designed the globally acclaimed Midwifery Educator Continuous Professional Development Programme, which won the LSTM 125 Years Contribution of the Year Award. He frequently authors high-impact scientific publications and contributes as an expert reviewer for top-tier global health journals. Driven by a commitment to equitable healthcare, Dr. Shikuku continues to champion midwifery integration as a primary engine for achieving universal health coverage and sustainable development goals.

Judges

​Dr. Dunstan Achwoka

Dr Dunstan is a seasoned physician and public health leader with nearly two decades of expertise dedicated to advancing health equity, strengthening health systems and controlling infectious diseases. Currently, he serves as a Project Management Specialist (Public Health) at the U.S. Department of State, Kenya Mission, where he provides strategic and technical leadership on HIV, maternal and child health, and polio portfolios to align foreign assistance with Kenya’s national health priorities.

Before joining the Department of State, Dr. Achwoka served as Deputy Team Lead for the HIV Care and Treatment portfolio at USAID Kenya and East Africa, managing a $200 million portfolio. Throughout his career, he has been a driving force in programme design, policy development and large-scale implementation. His work has helped shape national guidelines and influence the delivery of PEPFAR-funded programmes, consistently bridging the gap between global strategy and frontline service delivery.

Dr. Achwoka holds a PhD in Tropical and Infectious Diseases from the University of Nairobi, an MSc in Global Health from Duke University, and a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Moi University. A dedicated mentor and educator, he is currently an adjunct lecturer at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and a 2025–2026 Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Fellow with the Africa CDC.

​An accomplished researcher and published author, Dr. Achwoka has contributed significantly to the understanding of HIV and non-communicable diseases in Africa. He has received multiple U.S. Mission awards for innovation and leadership. He remains committed to championing sustainable, country-led health solutions that improve outcomes for populations across the region.​